I n 2014, we have commemorated the 100th anniversary of the start of first world war and the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The former led to the still greater catastrophe of the second world war, followed by Europe’s division between the west and the communist bloc. The latter marked the end of that division and the emergence of a Europe, whole and free. Today, we can see a great irony of history: Germany has won through peaceful means the position it sought through force of arms. Like it or not, the Federal Republic is Europe’s central power.
Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em. Germany is now experiencing the last in full measure. So how is it faring with this eminence? Quite well, but not well enough.
Germany’s pre-eminence is not only a matter of its size and geographical position. Nor is it just the fruit of its manufacturing prowess. Remarkably, of Europe’s large countries Germany has arguably the most stable and adult democracy. It is free of the xenophobic populism that mars the others. In Angela Merkel, it possesses an exceptionally mature and responsible leader.