INFLUENCE OF GERMAN POLITIC

Over the past two decades, Germany’s global role has undergone a remarkable
transformation. Following its peaceful reunification in 1990, Germany was on track to
become an economic giant that had little in the way of foreign policy. Today, however, the
country is a major European power that attracts praise and criticism in equal measure. This
holds true both for Germany’s response to the recent surge of refugees it welcomed more
than one million people last year and for its handling of the euro crisis.

Some observers say Germany has the makings of a world power. They note the German
government’s lead in trying to solve the European financial crisis. They also point to German
involvement in diplomatic efforts to stop the war in Ukraine. But other observers wonder
whether Germany is ready to get more involved in world events.

Since 1998, Germany did not seek its new role on the international stage. Rather, it emerged
as a central player by remaining stable as the world around it changed. As the United States
reeled from the effects of the Iraq war and the EU struggled through a series of crises,
Germany held its ground. It

Germany is the largest economic power in Europe. The country has never been as
economically strong, secure and free as it is today. Germany is the fourth-largest economy in
the world, and one of the top exporters. In the 24 years since Germany was unified, it has
become the most valuable European partner of the United States. But it has been, and is,
reluctant to take the lead in world events.

Experts say whether Germany will become a world power depends on the strength of an
international political system supported by Western power. They note a lot of that support is
now coming from Germany.