On September 26, Germans will cast their votes in the federal election that will decide the next chancellor of Germany as Angela Merkel steps down from office. Whoever wins will have to contend with a host of challenges, from an emboldened Russia, to climate change, and keeping a fraught EU bloc together amid democratic backsliding on the continent. But perhaps more importantly, can anyone replace the steady handed Merkel who steered the European continent for the last nearly two decades?

Judy Dempsey from Carnegie Europe joins Doug to unpack the German elections and the future of Europe in the post Merkel era.

Judy is the editor in chief of  Strategic Europe  where you can get more insights and commentary on European foreign policy. 

1. Judy Dempsey, "Germany's Vote Should Set the Pace for Europe", Strategic Europe
2. Judy Dempsey, "Europe's Looming Unpredictable Autumn", Strategic Europe
3. Judy Dempsey, "The Europe Angela Merkel Leaves Behind", Strategic Europe
4. Yascha Mounk, "The World Won't Miss Angela Merkel", The Atlantic