The Paradox of “Never Again” Germany’s Memory Culture and Its Response to the Gaza Conflict

Germany's post-war identity has long been celebrated as a model of confronting its Nazi past through the ethos of 'Never Again' (Nie wieder). This thesis examines the paradox that emerged during the Gaza conflict: a nation renowned for its commitment to human rights and Holocaust remembrance appears inconsistent in its response to mass civilian suffering. It argues that Germany's memory culture, while widely praised, has evolve into a dual framework that moves between moral duty and strategic interest. Drawing on memory studies, social constructivism and Critical Discourse Analysis, the thesis traces how post-war identity was constructed and institutionalised, and how its competing dimensions reflect modern issues. Germany's response to the Gaza war, through an analysis of the international context, aid and domestic measures reveals patterns of selective solidarity - a strong unwavering support for Israel but little to no acknowledgement of Palestinian suffering. A close reading of official government rhetoric shows how support for Israel is framed as Staatsräson, a duty rooted in Holocaust memory. The thesis concludes that Germany's memory culture has become a double-edged resource: one that can inspire progress whilst also justifying inconsistency.