Reluctant Meister - How Germanys Past Is Shaping Its European Future

Reluctant Meister: How Germany’s Past Is Shaping Its European Future (2016) – Stephen Green
Haus Publishing | ISBN: 9781910376577
Condition: Good | Sold by Crappy Old Books

Germany. Europe’s economic powerhouse, industrial champion, engineering perfectionist and a nation whose citizens have somehow acquired an international reputation for punctuality, efficiency and taking recycling considerably more seriously than most people take their marriages. Yet for all its economic strength and political influence, modern Germany has traditionally approached the prospect of leading Europe with approximately the same enthusiasm as somebody being asked to organise a family Christmas involving seventeen relatives who haven’t spoken to one another since 1983.

In Reluctant Meister, Stephen Green explores this fascinating contradiction: a country powerful enough to dominate European economic affairs, yet profoundly uncomfortable with the historical implications of exercising that power.

The title itself captures the dilemma beautifully. Germany is the Meister, the master or champion, whether it particularly wants the position or not. Its industrial strength, export success and financial influence place it at the centre of European affairs, while its turbulent twentieth-century history provides an unusually powerful reason to avoid appearing too enthusiastic about telling other countries what to do.

And what a history it has to contend with.

From imperial ambition and the catastrophe of the First World War to Nazism, the Second World War, division during the Cold War and eventual reunification, Germany’s modern identity has been shaped by events that would be enough to give most nations a severe collective headache.

Green examines how this historical inheritance influences German politics, national identity and attitudes towards European integration. The result is a portrait of a country whose economic success has created expectations of leadership, while its political culture remains deeply conscious of the dangers of nationalism, militarism and unchecked power.

The European Union provides the perfect setting for this uncomfortable balancing act. Germany is expected to supply economic stability, financial credibility and decisive leadership, particularly during periods of crisis. Yet when it attempts to exercise that leadership, neighbours occasionally become nervous about German dominance.

Apparently, the ideal arrangement is for Germany to lead Europe without looking as though it is leading Europe, a diplomatic challenge roughly equivalent to conducting an orchestra while pretending not to hold the baton.

Published in 2016, the book appeared during an especially unsettled period for Europe, following the eurozone debt crisis and amid arguments over migration, national sovereignty and Britain’s increasingly enthusiastic preparations for leaving the European Union.

Green, a former banking executive and British government minister, brings an informed perspective to the relationship between economics, politics and national history, exploring the difficult questions facing a continent increasingly dependent upon German influence.

This 2016 Haus Publishing edition, offered in Good condition by Crappy Old Books, is an appealing acquisition for readers interested in European politics, German history, international relations and the curious business of becoming the most influential country in the room while desperately trying not to look too pleased about it.

An absorbing examination of power, responsibility, historical memory and the uncomfortable obligations of economic success.

Because being Europe’s strongest economy is one thing.

Persuading everybody else that you have absolutely no intention of becoming their boss is quite another.

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