A Post-German Europe and Impact

The German economic model has driven growth within the European continent for over a century.

Even when Germany was divided into two between East and West in Germany from 1945 to 1989 Germany, in this case, West Germany was still the dominant power within the European political system, barring the exception of the Soviet Union during this period.

However, Germany is responsible for causing two world wars, first in 1914 and then in 1939, with the start of World War II and World War I, respectively, as well as causing the deaths of around 100 million people, if not more.

Germany has been reluctant to play a significant role in international politics and to be a political leader of Europe.

The last time Germany was serious about international and European politics, it led to wars.

Bismarck’s Machiavellianism and realpolitik left a bitter taste in the German political psyche, making it reluctant to apply realpolitik when dealing with other nations.

Hence, Germany has increasingly demilitarised itself since the end of the Cold War and is only starting to get serious about building up a professional military due to the impact of the Ukraine war.

Also, with the German Boomer generation entering mass retirement, most will die by 2040.

The German population fought, on the side of Nazi Germany during World War II, most of them will be dead as well within this decade.