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Prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the former chancellor of West Germany, Helmut Schmidt, observed that the idea of a unified state of 75 million Germans arising one day in the middle of Europe was a cause of concern for many of the nation's European neighbors and partners
Nevertheless, a unified Germany has been a reality since late 1989. And now a people that brought two major wars to the European continent during the 20th century find themselves forging ahead economically, while most neighboring nations are struggling financially.
As Time magazine reported, while Germany's economy was in shambles 10 years ago, it's now an export machine: "While the Spanish, Irish and other Europeans were gorging on debt, building too many houses and giving themselves fat pay raises, Germans were busy fixing their economy" (Michael Schuman, "How Germany Became the China of Europe," March 7, 2011).
In November 2010, it was announced that German unemployment had dropped below 3 million for the first time since 1992. Clearly Europe's industrial engine is roaring again. But will Berlin take the lead on the European continent? Is the Fatherland going to take center stage in Europe?
The current leadership shows signs of reluctance. It sees Portugal, Ireland and Greece as posing painful economic problems for Germany and the European Union (EU). A March 12, 2011, Economist article asked the question: "Can Angela Merkel Hold Europe Together?"-meaning the EU. Germany remains somewhat uncomfortable with massive bailouts of the economically troubled member nations. Will Germany remain committed to the European dream through thick and thin?
Germany also remains conflicted about its military role. Last year the German military, long considered a postwar defensive and peacekeeping force, found itself actually fighting in Afghanistan. Still haunted by its Nazi past (Hitler's regime ending 66 years ago in 1945), Berlin remains reluctant to exercise a full military role in Europe, even as a part of NATO. Germany did not join America, Britain and France in its Libyan missile and air strikes.
So what is Germany's long-term destiny? Will Berlin eventually assume both military and political leadership of all Europe?
The Bible certainly indicates this will eventually happen. Who knows what kind of a leader may dominate Berlin in the future? To learn more, please read our free booklet Are We Living in the Time of the End? (Sources: The Economist [London], Time.)
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Keywords: German economy European economy
European Union - economy: