The talk show 'Maischberger,' aired on February 24, on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, features Annalena Baerbock, the President of the UN General Assembly and former German Foreign Minister. The choice to invite Baerbock, instead of traditional experts on Russia and military issues, is both curious and original. It represents a shift in focus from the polarized debates surrounding arms supplies to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia, to a broader discussion on the state of the international order, which many feel has become fragile and ineffective.

During the episode, Baerbock aims to champion a rules-based order anchored in international law. However, the challenges of this mission seem significant, with various conflicting opinions emerging on the effectiveness of current policies and strategies regarding the Ukraine conflict. Despite the intention to portray unity in addressing the chaotic international system, the show reveals the underlying fractures and disagreements amongst policymakers and experts, indicating that the agenda is far from being resolved.

Ultimately, the critique highlights the difficulty in reconciling differing views on geopolitical issues, evident in a talk show format that struggles to accommodate meaningful discourse while simultaneously addressing the urgent realities of the war in Ukraine. The implications of these debates extend beyond the show itself, posing questions about the future of international cooperation and the legitimacy of the current global governance as advocated by figures like Baerbock.