Germany in crisis: what to do now?

It is not entirely the fault of ruling coalition for the crisis Germany facing today. Truly, there are external forces as well as internal issues that have brought Germany to the current position. Level heads must prevail. Here is the agenda for resolution.

Introduction

There is a connection between concept and policy; in turn there is yet another connection between policy and strategy. If the concept is proven wrong then both policy and strategy would go wrong as well. Hence, let us look at the concept of present Germany in terms of politics, economics and finally society.

Politics

The idea loyalty to a single party would hold on forever is flawed. CSU/CDU as the primary engine of German locomotive is being questioned by both Far Right and Far Left. There is a trap: the more leftist polity rises you can expect a backlash from the rightists by way of a coup as it happened in Poland recently or mass protests that could break out throughout German Federation. My sense of foreboding sounds that huge right wing wave could occur any time finishing off the grip of power centrist parties hold at present.

Economics

Rising prices of consumer items along with lessening of savings capacity in the hands of consumers as a whole could boomerang on the welfare system Germany is proud of. There are two dimensions to rising prices: one relates to the foreign policy that pitched German admins to squander the treasury over Ukraine war. Two, internal productive efficiency plummeted due to high cost of energy consequent to rupture of relationship with Russia. Both of these are manmade disasters for which CDU/CSU combo is morally responsible.

Society

As alluded earlier welfare system is the first victim when politics and economics are not aligned properly to achieve national goals. Many Chancellors have tinkered in this aspect. Except for Gerhard Schroeder none of them delivered results. Understanding present German society needs an objective analysis of immigration as a concept. Egalitarian society does not mean that, the country must throw open the doors to immigrants of every ilk. Germany did not protest when America invaded countries in Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan which drove hordes of refugees to the West. Moreover, when USA arm twisted European countries to accept multiple waves of immigration Germany acquiesced without any murmur. Today assimilation of these immigrants is the key debating point for parties on right and left.

Result

1. In terms of geoeconomics, Germany from a lofty position of fourth power is now relegated to seventh 

2. In terms of geopolitics, she has made European Union as a key powerbroker at her own expense.

Strategy advice

I believe that Germany needs to rise to the occasion and be at-least fifth power centre power after Iran.

Navigating strategy amid geoeconomics obligates Germany to do the necessary conceptual changes so as to wield real power globally!

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff

Strategy Adviser

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Strategy Adviser