Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2017, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2.508 persons were interviewed on various issues from May 31, 2017 to July 02, 2017. The present survey focused in particular on population’s threat perception and sense of security, personal attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, the perception of the Federal Armed Forces as an attractive employer, the population´s knowledge of the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces, their number of personnel, and awareness of the Federal Armed Forces´ missions abroad.
1. Security and threat perception: assessment of the current security situation worldwide and in the Federal Republic of Germany as well as personal sense of security (split); sense of threat from: Job loss or difficulty in finding a job, insufficient financial security in old age, worldwide climate change due to global warming, major natural disasters, war in Europe, terrorist attacks in Germany, worldwide spread of a dangerous disease or epidemic, xenophobia in Germany, religious fundamentalism in Germany, immigration to Germany, rising prices, crime in one´s personal environment, malfunction in a nuclear power plant, tensions between the West and Russia, conflict in Iraq and Syria, Internet attack on infrastructure in Germany, disintegration of the EU, spread of fake news).

1. Security policy attitudes: increase vs. decrease in Germany´s responsibility at the international level; preference for an active vs. passive German international policy; agreement with various instruments of German foreign and security policy (development aid, acceptance of refugees, diplomatic negotiations, economic sanctions, military cooperation, arms deliveries to friendly states, combat missions of the Federal Armed Forces, stabilization missions of the Federal Armed Forces, training missions of the Federal Armed Forces, police missions); agreement with various statements on foreign and security policy (war necessary under certain conditions, in international crises economic power is more important than military power, Germany should play a more active role in world politics, German interests are best safeguarded by not interfering in the affairs of other states, in an international crisis Germany and its allies should agree on a common stance, Germany should primarily take care of its own security, in foreign policy matters Germany should act in concert with the U.S., Germany should be more assertive in representing its interests to the U.S., the German government should be able to act alone in military matters without the involvement of the Bundestag, soldiers of the Federal Armed Forces should only be sent on missions with the approval of the Bundestag, Germany should engage in security and defense policy primarily together with the states of the EU, the EU should act as an independent defense and security policy actor, Germany should engage in NATO as a priority in terms of security and defense policy, Germany must continue to belong to NATO to ensure its security, EU should have a common security and defense policy/ a common European army, EU citizens should be allowed to serve as soldiers in the Federal Armed Forces in the same way as German citizens); attitudes toward NATO, alliance defense, and Russia (concerns about a new ´Cold War´ between Russia and the West, Germany should limit its economic relations with Russia, Germany should be more understanding of Russia´s position, Russia´s military action in Ukraine or in Syria threatens Germany´s security, NATO should increase its military presence in Eastern Europe, Germany should provide military support to the Baltic states); attitudes toward NATO, alliance defense, and the U.S. (U.S. a reliable partner for Germany, Germany should limit its economic relations with the U.S., Germany should have more understanding of the U.S. position, U.S. stands behind its commitments to other NATO countries, U.S. military action in Syria threatens Germany´s security, U.S. foreign and security policy threatens NATO cohesion, U.S. should remain involved in the defense of Europe).

2. Attitude toward the Federal Armed Forces: associations with the Federal Armed Forces (open); personal attitude toward the Federal Armed Forces; importance of the Federal Armed Forces for Germany; reputation of the Federal Armed Forces by the respondent; reputation of the Federal Armed Forces by most other people in Germany; degree of recognition by the respondent and in our country for the service of servicemen and women; evaluation of the Federal Armed Forces with regard to: Its performance at home and abroad, equipment and armament, integration of the Federal Armed Forces into society, public appearance, and the training of soldiers; institutional trust...

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2013, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2500 persons were interviewed on various issues from May 13, 2013 until June 29, 2013. The present survey focused in particular on threat perception and sense of security, attitudes toward Germany´s role in the world, perceptions of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces´ ISAF mission, attitudes toward the other foreign missions, and questions about perceptions of the Federal Armed Forces as an employer.
1. Media use: frequency of use of various media in everyday life (tabloids, regional daily newspapers, national newspapers and business papers, news magazines, weekly newspapers, private television, public television, news channels, radio stations, Internet: forums, blogs or social networks, photo or video portals); interest in various topics (combating unemployment, pension security, climate and environmental protection, equal rights, health care reform, the European debt crisis, the fight against rising prices, protection of personal liberty rights, the fight for social justice, securing free world trade, combating international terrorism, global peacekeeping, disaster control, foreign missions of the Federal Armed Forces, reform of the Federal Armed Forces, everyday life of soldiers in the Federal Armed Forces)

1. Security policy opinion: feeling threatened by: severe economic crisis in Germany, cuts in social benefits, loss of or no job, insufficient financial security in the event of unemployment, old age and illness, an ageing society, immigration of foreigners to Germany, political extremism or religious fundamentalism in Germany, worldwide spread of a dangerous disease or epidemic, terrorist attacks in Germany or outside of Germany, nuclear, chemical or biological weapons in the hands of terrorists, wars or military conflicts in the world, military attack on the Federal Republic of Germany, worldwide climate change due to global warming, major natural disasters, severe economic crisis in Europe, rising prices, national debt of Germany resp. European countries; assessment of the current security situation of the country; personal feeling of security; Germany´s role in the world: increase vs. decrease of the responsibility to be borne by Germany on the international level; preference for a rather active vs. rather passive international policy of Germany; reasons why Germany helps to cope with problems and crises in other countries and regions or should keep out of it (open); importance of various foreign and security policy objectives of the Federal Government (securing world peace, promoting the spread of democracy and the rule of law, contributing to respect for human rights worldwide, promoting economic development in poorer countries, combating international terrorism, providing disaster relief, protecting the environment, strengthening the European Union´s ability to act, combating exploitation and oppression, limiting climate change, securing Germany´s energy supply, securing free world trade, guaranteeing Germany´s security and stability, commitment to arms control and disarmament).

2. Attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces: personal relationship to the Federal Armed Forces (respondent is or was himself in the Federal Armed Forces, close relative/ member of the circle of friends or acquaintances was or is in the Federal Armed Forces, Federal Armed Forces location near home, Federal Armed Forces disaster mission near home or personal to the respondent, other personal contacts - open); perception of the Federal Armed Forces in the last 12 months on the following occasions: in everyday life, at public events, conversations with friends, relatives or colleagues, during television broadcasts or on the radio, articles on the Internet and reports in newspapers and magazines; personal impression of the Federal Armed Forces on the respective occasions; positive or negative attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces; Reputation of the Federal Armed Forces (high esteem in the population, most people have a positive opinion of the Federal Armed Forces, soldiers are held in high esteem by the population, the Federal Armed Forces is an important part of the FRG, the Federal Armed Forces has proved useful in its missions at home or abroad); activities directly related to the Federal Armed Forces (a family member or friend who wanted to become a soldier in the Federal Armed Forces, has had his or her wish reinforced or advised against his wish, objected to if someone spoke badly or well about the Federal Armed Forces, took part in public events of the Federal Armed Forces such as a public pledge or protests against public events,...

1. Perception of security and threat: personal feeling of security; personal significance of various aspects of security (e.g. workplace, military attacks, social security, income, ecological security, etc.); feeling of being threatened by environmental degradation, violence by other people, poverty, crime, unemployment, wars or military conflicts in the world, right-wing extremism, financial problems, new technologies (e.g. genetic engineering), diseases (e.g. AIDS), population growth, nuclear weapons, left-wing extremism, lack of data protection, nuclear power plants, foreign infiltration, communism, terrorism, drugs/drug addiction; probability of a military threat to Germany; the three greatest risks to security in Germany and Europe (open); suitability of various institutions and instruments to protect Germany from military risks (NATO membership, others/ new treaties with neighbouring countries, United Nations, WEU, Federal Armed Forces, European Army, general disarmament, OSCE).
2. Security policy attitudes, foreign deployments of the Federal Armed Forces: Germany´s role in the world: preference for a rather active vs. rather passive international policy of Germany; approved or rejected measures for international action by Germany (e.g. aid with food and medicine, aid of a financial and economic nature, technical aid by civil organisations, peacekeeping deployment of the Federal Armed Forces within the framework of a UN mission, etc.); general attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces.
3. Assessment of public institutions: Institutional trust (Federal Constitutional Court, other courts, police, Bundesrat, state government, Federal Armed Forces, Bundestag, television, press, churches, trade unions, federal government, school system, universities, political parties).
4. Personal relationship to the Federal Armed Forces: Federal Armed Forces barracks in the residential area; family member or closer relative or friend is a soldier; respondent himself/herself, son or daughter is currently doing military service with the Federal Armed Forces or has done military service with the Federal Armed Forces/ NVA, is/was a temporary or professional soldier with the Federal Armed Forces/ NVA or is doing civilian service/ has done civilian service. 5. Role and image of the Federal Armed Forces and their soldiers: Approval of statements about the Federal Armed Forces (the Federal Armed Forces has comparatively modern weapons, in terms of equipment the Federal Armed Forces can cope with any emergency, German soldiers are well trained for a possible military mission, training in the Federal Armed Forces as good preparation for deployment in the event of natural disasters, good career opportunities for temporary soldiers in the free economy, discipline and order prevail in the Federal Armed Forces, command and obedience are the basic principles of military leadership in the Federal Armed Forces, soldiers often discuss the execution of orders with superiors, genuine camaraderie can be found in the Federal Armed Forces, soldiers also undertake many things together in their leisure time, in the Federal Armed Forces one is easily tempted to drink a lot of alcohol, German soldiers are masters of their craft, one can rely on the Federal Armed Forces in an emergency, in international missions of the Federal Armed Forces the German soldiers do their jobs just as well as other soldiers, in an emergency many soldiers of the Federal Armed Forces would try everything not to have to go into action, the Federal Armed Forces would not be up to an attack on Germany alone, in an attack on Germany the Federal Armed Forces would strike back the enemy, to ward off an attack on Germany the Federal Armed Forces needs the help of allies); mention of Federal Armed Forces ranks; opinion on increasing defence expenditure; opinion on increasing the number of Federal Armed Forces soldiers; total number of Federal Armed Forces soldiers.
5. Tasks of the Federal Armed Forces: Preferences with regard to the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces (tasks of international arms control, fight against international terrorism, fight against international drug trafficking, border security against illegal immigrants, tasks in the field of environmental protection, international disaster relief, humanitarian aid and rescue services, reconstruction and development aid, international military advice, Combat operations on behalf of international organisations, peacekeeping operations on behalf of international organisations, protection of the constitutional order in Germany, participation in celebrations and ceremonies, education and character building, defence of Germany, defence of allies, training in civilian professions, assistance to threatened friendly nations, evacuation of Germans from crisis areas). 7. Attitude towards compulsory military service: preferences for women´s service in the Federal Armed Forces...

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2001, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2462 persons were interviewed on various issues from November 2, 2001 until December 8, 2001. The present survey focused in particular on Security and threat perceptions, the role and image of the Federal Armed Forces and its soldiers, the soldier´s profession, the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces and the Federal Armed Forces´ missions abroad, the role of compulsory military service, military cooperation in Europe, political and social participation, psycho-social profile-items, and questions about the work environment.
1. Perception of security and threat: personal feeling of security; personal significance of various aspects of security (e.g. job, military attacks, social security, income, ecological security, etc.); feeling of being threatened by: environmental destruction, violence by other people, poverty, crime, unemployment, wars or military conflicts in the world, right-wing extremism, financial problems, new technologies (e.g. genetic engineering), diseases (e.g. AIDS), population growth, nuclear weapons, left-wing extremism, military threat to Germany, lack of data protection, nuclear power stations, foreign infiltration, international terrorism, drugs.

1. Security policy attitudes, foreign deployments of the Federal Armed Forces: Germany´s role in the world: preference for a rather active vs. rather passive international policy of Germany; approved or rejected measures for international action by Germany (e.g. aid with food and medicine, aid of a financial and economic nature, technical assistance by civil organisations, peacekeeping operations of the Federal Armed Forces within the framework of a UN mission, etc.); general attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces and NATO and the participation of the Federal Armed Forces in the operational forces in Kosovo (KFOR), in Bosnia-Herzegovina (SFOR) and in Macedonia (AMBER FOX)

2. Evaluation of public institutions: Institutional trust (Federal Constitutional Court, other courts, police, Bundesrat, state government, Federal Armed Forces, Bundestag, television, press, churches, trade unions, federal government, school system, universities, political parties).

3. Personal connection to the Federal Armed Forces: respondent is currently doing military service in the Federal Armed Forces or has done military service in the Federal Armed Forces/ NVA, is/was a temporary or professional soldier in the Federal Armed Forces/ NVA or is doing civilian service/ has done civilian service.

4. Role and image of the Federal Armed Forces and their soldiers: Agreement to statements about the Federal Armed Forces (compared to other armies, the Federal Armed Forces is equipped with modern weapon systems, in the Federal Armed Forces discipline and order prevails, in the Federal Armed Forces you can find real camaraderie, in the Federal Armed Forces soldiers often discuss the execution of orders with their superiors, in the Federal Armed Forces you are tempted to drink too much alcohol, the equipment of the Federal Armed Forces is outdated, in international missions of the Federal Armed Forces, German soldiers do their jobs just as well as soldiers from other countries, in an emergency many Federal Armed Forces soldiers would try everything not to have to go into action, the Federal Armed Forces would fight back the enemy, if there really was a military attack on Germany, to ward off an attack on Germany, the Federal Armed Forces needs the help of allies) agreement to various statements on the profession of the soldier (e.g. e.g. German soldiers earn good money, Federal Armed Forces soldiers do not need to worry about their jobs, German soldiers are well trained for a possible military mission, etc.).

5. Tasks of the Federal Armed Forces: preferences with regard to the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces (tasks of international arms control, the fight against international terrorism, the fight against international drug trafficking, border security against illegal immigrants such as economic refugees, tasks in the field of environmental protection, international disaster relief, humanitarian aid and rescue services such as refugee assistance, reconstruction and development aid such as road construction, military combat operations or peace-keeping military missions on behalf of or under the control of the UN or other international organisations, education and character building of soldiers, defence of German territory, defence of allies, training in civilian professions, evacuation of German citizens from crisis areas, taking over police security tasks within Germany such as object and building protection); opinion on increasing defence expenditure; opinion on increasing the...

1. Security policy opinion: feeling of being threatened by: severe economic crisis in Germany, cutbacks in social benefits, job loss or inability to find a job, insufficient financial security in case of unemployment, old age or illness, ageing society, immigration of foreigners to Germany, political extremism or religious fundamentalism in Germany, worldwide spread of a dangerous disease or epidemic, terrorist attacks in Germany or outside of Germany, nuclear, chemical or biological weapons in the hands of terrorists, wars or military conflicts in the world, military attack on Germany, worldwide climate change due to global warming, major natural disasters, worldwide environmental destruction, nuclear bombs in the hands of states such as Iran or North Korea, the resurgent military power Russia; personal sense of security; assessment of the current security situation in the country; Germany´s role in the world: increase vs. decrease in the responsibility that Germany has to bear at the international level; preferred options for Germany to assume responsibility at the international level (stronger involvement in the United Nations, the EU and NATO, more intensive cooperation with international courts, human rights organizations, environmental protection organizations and aid organizations, stronger independent involvement, stronger military involvement in foreign missions); preference for a more active vs. rather passive international policy of Germany; reasons why Germany helps to cope with problems and crises in other countries and regions or should stay out of it (open); importance of various foreign and security policy objectives of the Federal Government (securing world peace, promoting the spread of democracy and the rule of law, contributing to respect for human rights worldwide, promoting economic development in poorer countries, bridging the gap between rich and poor regions of the world, combating international terrorism, promoting respect for international law in the world, providing disaster relief, helping to ensure environmental protection, security and stability of the community of states, strengthen Europe and the foreign and security policy capacity of the European Union to act, combat exploitation and oppression, limit climate change, prevent nuclear armament in countries such as Iran or North Korea, shape and cultivate relations with the USA, maintain and further develop political and military cooperation in NATO, secure Germany´s energy supply, ensure free world trade, support the USA in setting up a missile defence system in Eastern Europe, guarantee Germany´s security and stability, protect its citizens); preferences with regard to cooperation with various institutions to achieve these foreign policy goals (UN, EU, NATO, OSCE, OECD, environmental protection associations, international courts of justice, human rights organizations, church institutions, African Union).
2. Attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces: Frequency of perception of the Federal Armed Forces on the following occasions: in everyday life, at public events, conversations with friends, relatives or colleagues, during television broadcasts, contributions on the Internet and reports in newspapers and magazines; personal impression of the Federal Armed Forces on the respective occasions; positive or negative attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces; assessment of the Federal Armed Forces with regard to: the performance of the Federal Armed Forces in its missions at home and abroad, the equipment and armament of the Federal Armed Forces, the integration of the Federal Armed Forces into society, military cooperation in NATO and the European Union, the public appearance and training of soldiers, and the attractiveness of the Federal Armed Forces as an employer; Knowledge about the Federal Armed Forces (number of Federal Armed Forces soldiers on foreign missions, current Federal Minister of Defence, forces of the Federal Armed Forces entrusted with the deployment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), year of the beginning of the Federal Armed Forces’ foreign deployment within the framework of the ISAF peacekeeping force in Afghanistan, Approval of which institution required before the Federal Armed Forces can conduct an armed foreign deployment, country of the current foreign deployment of the Federal Armed Forces, duration of basic military service in months, situation of women in the Federal Armed Forces, number of female and male soldiers in the service of the Federal Armed Forces); personal advice to various persons in the social environment who are interested in enlisting as temporary soldiers in the Federal Armed Forces.
3. Foreign missions of the Federal Armed Forces: knowledge of various foreign missions of the Federal Armed Forces (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Afghanistan (ISAF), NATO Peacekeeping Force in Kosovo (KFOR), EU Peacekeeping Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR), NATO...

Persons aged 16 and over living in private households in the Federal Republic of Germany

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2012, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2627 persons were interviewed on various issues from August 29, 2012 until September 26, 2012. The present survey focused in particular on threat perception and sense of security, attitudes toward Germany´s role in the world, public perception of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward foreign missions, areas of responsibility of the Federal Armed Forces at home and abroad, attractiveness of voluntary military service.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2003, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2618 persons were interviewed on various issues from Ocober 21,2003 until November 17,2008. The present survey focused in particular on Attitudes toward the security situation and security policy in Germany, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, the profession of soldiering and applicant potential, external appearance of soldiers, military cooperation in Europe, and personality profile.
1. Security and threat perception: personal feeling of security; feeling of being threatened by: environmental destruction, violence by other people, poverty, crime, unemployment, wars or military conflicts in the world, right-wing extremism, new technologies (e.g. genetic engineering), diseases (e.g. AIDS), nuclear weapons, left-wing extremism, military threat to Germany, lack of data protection, foreign infiltration, international terrorism, religious fundamentalism, insufficient financial security in case of unemployment, old age or illness; agreement to various measures to protect against terrorism (e.g. more police officers in public, video surveillance of public places and buildings, etc.).

1. Security policy attitudes: Germany´s role in the world: Preference for a rather active vs. rather passive international policy of Germany; approved or rejected measures for Germany´s international action (e.g. aid with food and medicine, aid of a financial and economic nature, technical aid by civil organisations, peacekeeping deployment of the Federal Armed Forces within the framework of a UN mission, etc.). ); reasons why Germany should, as far as possible, stay out of the problems, crises and conflicts of others; expectations of the armed forces and their role in society (feelings of respect, inner solidarity, gratitude for the armed forces, normal part of society, etc.).

2. Perception and evaluation of the Federal Armed Forces: frequency of perception of the Federal Armed Forces on the following occasions: in everyday life, in stations and on trains, at public events, conversations in the family, with relatives, friends or colleagues, during television and radio broadcasts, contributions on the Internet and reports in newspapers and magazines; personal impression of the Federal Armed Forces on the respective occasions; self-assessment of the level of information about the Federal Armed Forces´ areas of responsibility and operations (disaster relief in Germany, search and rescue operations, guarding NATO partners´ facilities in Germany, protocol duties, disaster relief abroad, development aid operations abroad, participation in peacekeeping military missions abroad, e.g. SFOR in former Yugoslavia, participation in operations against international terrorism e.g. Enduring Freedom in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, participation in operations to stabilize Afghanistan, ISAF); assessment of the above-mentioned Federal Armed Forces operations; agreement with various statements on the Federal Armed Forces (feeling of esteem, inner solidarity, gratitude for the Federal Armed Forces, the Federal Armed Forces has become a normal part of society, it is no longer possible to imagine society without it, of course, that Germany has its own armed forces embodies central values of our society such as freedom or justice, contributes to the protection of our system of values, Federal Armed Forces missions abroad serve to restore human rights in the areas of operations, the existence of the Federal Armed Forces complies with the provisions of the Basic Law, important defence policy issues are debated and voted on in Parliament, Federal Armed Forces missions abroad are conducted in accordance with international treaties or corresponding alliance obligations); positive or negative attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces; activities or imaginable activities in the case of a positive attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces: confirming the wish of a family member who wants to become a soldier in the Federal Armed Forces, voting for a party that is favourably disposed towards the Federal Armed Forces, participation in a collection of signatures with positive statements about the Federal Armed Forces, contradicting someone who speaks badly about the Federal Armed Forces, participation in a rally in which someone speaks favourably about the Federal Armed Forces, giving a member of the Federal Armed Forces his or her own positive opinion about the Federal Armed Forces, participation in public events of the Federal Armed Forces); activities or imaginable activities in the case of a negative attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces: advising a family member or friend who would like to become a soldier in the Federal Armed Forces against his or her...

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2007, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2.224 persons were interviewed on various issues from September 17, 2007 until October 22, 2007. The present survey focused in particular on Security and threat perception, security policy attitudes and the role of the Federal Republic in international politics, public perception of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward Federal Armed Forces missions abroad, tasks and equipment of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward compulsory military service, attitudes toward the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and NATO, attractiveness of the soldiering profession and the Federal Armed Forces, evaluation of public institutions. Media use and acceptance of measures against terrorism.
1. Security and threat perception: feeling of being threatened by: severe economic crisis in Germany, reduction of social benefits, loss of or no job, insufficient financial security in case of unemployment, old age or illness, ageing society, immigration of foreigners to Germany, political extremism or religious fundamentalism in Germany, worldwide spread of a dangerous disease or epidemic, terrorist attacks in Germany or outside of Germany, nuclear, chemical or biological weapons in the hands of terrorists, wars or military conflicts in the world, military attack on Germany, worldwide climate change due to global warming, major natural disasters, worldwide environmental destruction, nuclear bombs in the hands of states such as Iran or North Korea, the resurgent military power Russia; personal sense of security; assessment of the country´s current security situation.

1. Security policy attitudes: Germany´s role in the world: increase vs. decrease in the responsibility Germany has to bear at the international level; preferred options for Germany to assume responsibility at the international level (stronger engagement in the United Nations, the EU and NATO, more intensive cooperation with international courts of justice, human rights organizations, environmental protection organizations and aid agencies, stronger independent engagement); preference for a more active vs. more passive international policy on the part of Germany; reasons why Germany helps to overcome problems and crises in other countries and regions or should stay out of it (open); importance of various foreign and security policy objectives of the Federal Government (securing world peace, promoting the spread of democracy and the rule of law, contributing to respect for human rights worldwide, promoting economic development in poorer countries, bridging the gap between rich and poor regions of the world, combating international terrorism, promoting respect for international law in the world, providing disaster relief, helping to ensure environmental protection, security and stability of the community of states, Strengthen Europe and the foreign and security policy capacity of the European Union to act, combat exploitation and oppression, limit climate change, prevent nuclear armament in countries such as Iran or North Korea, shape and cultivate relations with the USA, maintain and further develop political and military cooperation in NATO, secure Germany´s energy supply, ensure free world trade, support the USA in building a missile defence system in Eastern Europe); Preferences with regard to cooperation with various institutions to achieve these foreign policy goals (UN, EU, NATO, OSCE, OECD, environmental protection associations, international courts of justice, human rights organizations, church institutions, African Union).

2. Perception and assessment of the Federal Armed Forces: frequency of perception of the Federal Armed Forces on the following occasions: in everyday life, at public events, conversations in the family, with relatives, friends or colleagues, during television broadcasts, contributions on the Internet and reports in newspapers and magazines; personal impression of the Federal Armed Forces on the respective occasions; positive or negative attitude towards the Federal Armed Forces; assessment of the Federal Armed Forces with regard to: the performance of the Federal Armed Forces in its missions at home and abroad, equipment and armament of the Federal Armed Forces, integration of the Federal Armed Forces into society, military cooperation in NATO and the European Union, the public appearance of the soldiers and the training of the soldiers; Knowledge about the Federal Armed Forces (number of Federal Armed Forces soldiers on foreign missions, current Federal Minister of Defence, Federal Armed Forces entrusted with the deployment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), year...

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2015, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2653 persons were interviewed on various issues from September 08, 2015, until October 30, 2015. The present survey focused in particular on security and threat perception, security policy attitudes, perception of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, Day of the Federal Armed Forces, relationship between the Federal Armed Forces and society. Perceived attractiveness of the Federal Armed Forces as an employer, tasks of the Federal Armed Forces, level of defense expenditures and number of personnel, foreign deployments of the Federal Armed Forces, awareness and evaluation of the slogan ´Wir.Dienen.Deutschland.´ (´We.Serve.Germany.´) Political interest, media use, and political participation and preferences.
1. Security and threat perception: most important political issues in Germany (open); assessment of the security situation worldwide and in the Federal Republic of Germany; personal sense of security; sense of threat from: Job loss or difficulty in finding a job, insufficient financial security in old age, worldwide climate change due to global warming, major natural disasters, war in Europe, terrorist attacks in Germany, worldwide spread of a dangerous disease or epidemic, xenophobia in Germany, religious fundamentalism in Germany, immigration to Germany, rising prices, crime in personal environment, malfunction in a nuclear power plant, tensions between the West and Russia.

1. Security policy attitudes: increase vs. decrease in Germany´s responsibility at the international level; preference for an active vs. Germany´s passive international policy (split); reasons for Germany´s active role in addressing problems in other countries and regions; reasons why Germany should keep out of it if possible; approval of various instruments of German foreign and security policy (development aid, taking in refugees, diplomatic negotiations, economic sanctions, military cooperation, arms deliveries befriended states, Federal Armed Forces missions, police missions); Importance of various cooperations for German foreign and security policy (Germany´s membership in NATO, the United Nations (UN, UNO), the European Union (EU), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), cooperation with the United States, Great Britain, France, Russia, and Poland).

2. Perception of the Federal Armed Forces: associations with the Federal Armed Forces (open); perception of media coverage of the Federal Armed Forces in general; agreement on the strong influence of media coverage on the image of the Federal Armed Forces among the respondent himself, among people in his circle of friends and family, and among the general population (split).

3. Attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces: personal attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces; importance of the Federal Armed Forces to Germany; prestige of the Federal Armed Forces among the respondent; prestige of the Federal Armed Forces among most people in Germany; degree of appreciation by the respondent and in Germany in general for the service of the soldiers; evaluation of the Federal Armed Forces in terms of: Their performance at home and abroad, equipment and armament, integration of the Federal Armed Forces into society, public appearance, and the training of soldiers; institutional trust (public schools, the German Parliament (Bundestag), public pension insurance, political parties, the Federal Employment Agency, trade unions, the Federal Constitutional Court, public health insurance, the Federal Armed Forces, the police, the Protestant Church, the Catholic Church, the Federal Criminal Police Office, the Federal Intelligence Service, the German government, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution); reasons for trust or for lack of trust in the Federal Armed Forces (open); perception of the Federal Armed Forces in the past 12 months on the following occasions: in everyday life, at public events, conversations with friends, relatives or colleagues, on TV or radio broadcasts, articles on the Internet and reports in newspapers and magazines; personal impression of the Federal Armed Forces on the respective occasions.

4. Federal Armed Forces Day: relationship between the Federal Armed Forces and society: Perception of Federal Armed Forces Day; participation in Federal Armed Forces Day this year; enjoyment of the event; advocacy of Federal Armed Forces Day; sufficient efforts by the Federal Armed Forces to stay in touch with society; events that should be held more frequently in public (public pledge, reception of soldiers returning from a foreign deployment, public promotions of soldiers, taps); Participation in these events as visitors;...

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2007, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2.224 persons were interviewed on various issues from September 17, 2007 until October 22, 2007. The present survey focused in particular on Security and threat perception, security policy attitudes and the role of the Federal Republic in international politics, public perception of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward Federal Armed Forces missions abroad, tasks and equipment of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward compulsory military service, attitudes toward the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and NATO, attractiveness of the soldiering profession and the Federal Armed Forces, evaluation of public institutions. Media use and acceptance of measures against terrorism.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2016, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2.295 persons were interviewed on various issues from May 17, 2016 until May 19, 2016. The present survey focused in particular on population´s threat perception and sense of security, personal attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, the perception of the Federal Armed Forces as an attractive employer, and the population´s knowledge of the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces, their number of personnel, and the level of defense expenditures.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 1999, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2724 persons were interviewed on various issues from October 27, 1999 until February 20, 2000.The present survey focused in particular on Security and threat perceptions, attitudes toward security policy, the role and image of the Federal Armed Forces and its soldiers, the soldiering profession, the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces and Federal Armed Forces missions abroad, the role of compulsory military service, military cooperation in Europe, attitudes toward foreigners and homosexuality, and psycho-social profile-items.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2015, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2653 persons were interviewed on various issues from September 08, 2015, until October 30, 2015. The present survey focused in particular on security and threat perception, security policy attitudes, perception of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, Day of the Federal Armed Forces, relationship between the Federal Armed Forces and society. Perceived attractiveness of the Federal Armed Forces as an employer, tasks of the Federal Armed Forces, level of defense expenditures and number of personnel, foreign deployments of the Federal Armed Forces, awareness and evaluation of the slogan ´Wir.Dienen.Deutschland.´ (´We.Serve.Germany.´) Political interest, media use, and political participation and preferences.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2001, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2462 persons were interviewed on various issues from November 2, 2001 until December 8, 2001. The present survey focused in particular on Security and threat perceptions, the role and image of the Federal Armed Forces and its soldiers, the soldier´s profession, the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces and the Federal Armed Forces´ missions abroad, the role of compulsory military service, military cooperation in Europe, political and social participation, psycho-social profile-items, and questions about the work environment.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2014, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2456 persons were interviewed on various issues from November 11, 2014 until December 07, 2014. The present survey focused in particular on the population´s threat perception and sense of security, society´s perception of the Federal Armed Forces as well as attitudes toward foreign missions, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, media use, Federal Armed Forces foreign missions, tasks and equipment of the Federal Armed Forces, and the evaluation of the slogan ´Wir.Dienen.Deutschland.(We. serve. Germany). Please also note the comments on the measurement of latency and methodological experiments in the section ´Further information´.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 1997, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2572 persons were interviewed on various issues. The present survey focused in particular on the perception of threats, security policy attitudes, the role and image of the Federal Armed Forces and their soldiers, the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces, the role of conscription, military cooperation in Europe and questions relating to violence.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 1996, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2568 persons were interviewed on various issues. The present survey focused in particular on Security and threat perception, attitudes toward security policy, foreign deployments of the Federal Armed Forces, tasks of the Federal Armed Forces, the role of conscription, and military cooperation in Europe.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2013, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2500 persons were interviewed on various issues from May 13, 2013 until June 29, 2013. The present survey focused in particular on threat perception and sense of security, attitudes toward Germany´s role in the world, perceptions of the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces´ ISAF mission, attitudes toward the other foreign missions, and questions about perceptions of the Federal Armed Forces as an employer.

Since 1996, the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr (ZMSBw) has conducted a representative survey of the German population on defense and security policy issues on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Defense. In 2017, this study was continued. For this purpose, N = 2.508 persons were interviewed on various issues from May 31, 2017 to July 02, 2017. The present survey focused in particular on population’s threat perception and sense of security, personal attitudes toward the Federal Armed Forces, the perception of the Federal Armed Forces as an attractive employer, the population´s knowledge of the tasks of the Federal Armed Forces, their number of personnel, and awareness of the Federal Armed Forces´ missions abroad.