Germany: Between Europe and the World

The ongoing sovereign debt crisis in Europe has focused attention on the European Union, and in particular on Germany's evolving role in shaping its future. Long seen as Europe's reluctant leader, Germany has displayed a newfound assertiveness that raises as many questions as it answers. Can Germany -- and Europe -- overcome the paradoxes of its economic model? Is the German vision for EU economic and political governance sustainable? And with Germany's commitment to Europe increasingly questioned, how realistic is the temptation of "going it alone"? For Germany, and Europe, there will be no easy answers.

Articles in this feature

The Paradoxes of German Economic Performance

By Jeremy Leaman, , Feature

The European Union’s stuttering economic recovery and ongoing debt crisis have called attention to the significant economic and commercial imbalances that exist within the union. In particular, Germany has been pointed to as a model of fiscal and economic governance. However, the nature of the recent German recovery raises several questions about the overall performance of the country’s political economy and the particular contribution of labor market arrangements to that performance. more

Germany's New Role in Europe

By Daniela Schwarzer, , Feature

As a result of changes in the European Union’s functioning resulting from both the Lisbon Treaty and the effects of the sovereign debt crisis, Germany has become the most influential member state of the union, at the center of the debate over the shifting power relationships in the EU. But does Germany still want the EU? How far does Germany’s European commitment go? These questions are among those most often heard when it comes to the changing politics of European integration. more

German Foreign Policy: The Temptation of Going Alone

By Ulrike Guérot, , Feature

Germany’s handling of the sovereign debt crisis gripping the eurozone has led some to wonder whether Germany has lost interest in Europe, or in the role it has historically played in the European Union. But does Germany really believe it has other, global options for a more unilateral foreign policy? The answer is clearly “no,” but it is a no that has shades of gray. German foreign policy is no longer unambiguous, to say the least. more

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