In times of global upheaval, talking about new faces in government and other institutions from a European capital may be more relevant than in quieter times. This is especially the case for Germany and its political center Berlin, which faces relentless assaults from a new U.S. president. The way the German political, economic, and cultural elite that was brought up under the … [Read more...] about Europe’s “Humiliation”
Maron’s Visions Confront Merkel’s Reality
The recent cover of The Economist reads “Europe’s new order,” and shows a youthful French president in the glaring spotlight—and a German Chancellor Angela Merkel behind him in the dark shadow. Inside, the article titles tell the story: “A dynamic Emmanuel Macron and a diminished Angela Merkel promise a new balance in Europe,” “President Emmanuel Macron’s reform plans represent … [Read more...] about Maron’s Visions Confront Merkel’s Reality
Deutsche Bank Robbery
Worries about the fragile state of the largest lender in both Germany and Europe, Deutsche Bank AG, dominated the unofficial agenda when bankers and finance officials from all parts of the world came to the annual meetings of International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Institute of International Finance in Washington this October. At the time, the headlines in the … [Read more...] about Deutsche Bank Robbery
Surprises, Shocks, and Upheavals
Looking for future surprises that could shock the world? This would not be an exercise Europe’s top leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel need these days. For her, the surprises, shocks, and upheavals are coming faster than ever. For years, she has played a key role in crisis management at the helm of the largest and strongest member country of the European … [Read more...] about Surprises, Shocks, and Upheavals
Merkels Brexit Problem
Already facing an immigration and European integration crisis that is shattering the country’s democratic foundations in the postwar era as never before, another nightmare looms on the horizon for Germany’s political and business elite: the prospect of Britain leaving the European Union. This explains why an embattled German Chancellor Angela Merkel—fully aware of the enormous … [Read more...] about Merkels Brexit Problem