Geoeconomics leverage arise from an array of tools & techniques. America has been using these since the end of WW2. In the post war era victorious nations clipped political, economic & strategic powers relating to Germany to make her a vassal. Time to breakout from this vassalage and use geoeconomics leverage:
Preamble
Germany today is either fourth or fifth centre of
power depending on how you view her in comparison with Iran. Most analysts
pitch on Iran due to her demonstration of geoeconomics leveraging. But Germany
definitely can do better!
Facts
The leverage in terms of geoeconomics arise from
many aspects: financial muscle, trade dynamics inshore and out shore, macroeconomic
indicators and the vantage position a country choose from varying relationship roles such as hegemon-victim, master-slave, oppressor-oppressed
and more conciliatory one as facilitator-ward.
On the other hand, executing these tools &
techniques would travel in the form of symmetrical, asymmetrical, or in the
balanced manner of give and take.
Analysis
Finance: use of money transmission modes including payment systems such as SWIFT, clearing house, credit / debit cards issue along with Euro Clear
Trade: bilateral or multilateral trade moving along a supply line that is guarded and protected from outside disruptions
Conveyance: this includes ocean-going ships and multi-modal transport and recent unveiling of North-Sea transport by Russia which is indeed path-breaking so to speak
Insurance:
marine insurance covering cargo within and life-insurance cover for sailors
& operators of vessels and other modes of transport.
Synthesis
The Fuhrer had his fingertips squarely gripped
over the Baltic Sea as it was the main tool for his geoeconomics leverage. To supplement
this The Fuhrer ensured Kiel Canal is secure as this is the conduit between
North Sea and Baltic Sea. Hence, preventing an outsider blocking the Baltic Sea
and Kiev passage is the sacred duty of the Third Reich.
In addition to securing the passage of vessels, The
Fuhrer concentrated on preserving supply chain of bringing steel from Sweden,
efficient use of coal from the Ruhr valley and oil from Rumania and briefly from
Soviet Russia.
Strategy Direction
Taking a leaf from the past, Germany must begin immediately
asserting her position in protecting all geoeconomics levers under her control
including finance, trade & supply line and most essentially conveyance with
special attention paid toward multi modal transport.
Navigating strategy amid geoeconomics, therefore directs Germany to use all avenues of geoeconomics leverage in a give and take manner.
Cheers!
Muthu Ashraff
Strategy Adviser
Mobile: + 94 777 265677
E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com
Blog: Strategy Adviser
