« Happy Thanksgiving! | Main | The Belmont Club Weighs In on Merkel »

November 25, 2005

Germany's Angela Merkel the Next Bismarck?

November 26, 2005 - Welcome Instapundit and Belmont Club readers.  Make sure you click on the comments section to read some challenging ideas by Joe Katzman and M. Simon of Winds of Change along with UK's Peter Gentle of the up and coming Polish based blog Beatroot and systemic thinker Dan from tdaxp.  Also see DEL post "The Belmont Club Weighs In on Merkel" as a follow up to the Belmont Club piece (above).

Prussian Bismarck's Strategic Genius

Otto von Bismarck was the brilliant leader of Germany (1862-1890), responsible for unifying the country, building an empire and securing peace in Europe through a complex system of alliances that his successors could not maintain.

"His most significant policy objective was that of securing German unification; he took advantage of skillful diplomacy and a series of wars to achieve this goal...  In foreign affairs, opposed to his previous "Blood and Iron" policies before the unification, Bismarck pursued the goal of uniting Germany under Prussia's leadership, and as 'honest broker' securing the German Empire's position by maintaining peace in Europe with a complicated system of alliances."

Otto_von_bismarck Bismarck built a strong German military, sought to not compete with the British with its colonies or navy, contain the French by securing alliances with Austria, Italy and at times Russia.  He was the leading statesman of Europe, being responsible for such treaties as the "Three Emperors' League" (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia), "Triple Alliance" (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy), "Reinsurance Treaty" (Germany, Russia).  What Bismarck created in Europe with him at the helm provided great stability for Europe (though not necessarily needed economic reform), but was too complicated a system for leaders of less than his caliber to grow, let alone maintain.  The result of the failure of European leaders to continue the balance of power in Europe led directly to the First World War [DEL strongly recommends Pulitzer Prize winning, Barbara W. Tuchman's Guns of August as an exceptional novel on WWI, Dr. Henry Kissinger's Diplomacy and noted Military Historian John Keegan's The First World War] and changed civilization forever.

Former German Chancellor Schroeder's French Folly

The balance of power in Europe changed radically after the collapse of the Soviet Union.  Germany became focused on integrating its two separate countries.  The United Kingdom continued its Atlantic focus while slowly moving towards European integration.  This left France coyly attempting to leverage German strength yoked to Franco-diplomacy, thereby creating a new center in Europe.   

Chirac_schreoder_1 Once Gerhard Schroeder defeated Helmut Kohl for leadership of the German state and her diplomacy, his goals where short term in nature.  Attempting to secure his position in power domestically appeared often his only long-term goal.  Chancellor Schroeder tacked every which way the wind blew to gain domestic support, including anti-American positions, such as colluding with the French to thwart US efforts in Iraq.  He succeeded in damaging the US-German relationship and threw his efforts behind Franco-Russian diplomatic enterprises, even creating a "special relationship" with Vladimir Putin, to the rightful frustration of Poland. 

While UK Prime Minister Tony Blair was often described as America's "Poodle" in the British media, Chancellor Schroeder proved himself far better as Chirac's "Poodle".  German foreign policy was marked by stagnation in the past decade without pushing forward major economic reforms other than European Union integration (with an anti-American bent) that moved along until the French "Non" vote and betrayal of the German position over the EU Constitution [See DEL posts "Why France's Self-Destruction Matters" and "France and the EU Constitution"].

Germany's economy, much like France's, was marked by chronic high unemployment and a growing welfare system, and was unable to support a future Germany that was robust in world affairs.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Brilliant Diplomacy - Another Bismarck?

Gerhard Schroeder's domestic failures could no longer be masked by his short-term anti-American political maneuvers.  Ms. Angela Merkel, an East German woman, in a close election beat out Mr. Schroeder narrowly [See DEL's June 9, 2005 post "A Name to Watch in Germany" for more background on Ms. Merkel].  Because of the concessions a grand coalition required to form a new German government with Ms. Merkel as its Chancellor, the European press was writing off any potential change she could make on German foreign policy, especially as Schroeder's party retained the Foreign Ministry position.

However, Ms. Merkel just completed her European capital tour, making calls in Paris, Brussels and London.  Chancellor Merkel  affirmed the French relationship, but did not reference the "special relationship" as Schroeder had often in the past.  The BBC reports:

"Mrs Merkel spoke of 'close and friendly' relations with France but signaled that the relationship would no longer be exclusive or specially privileged."

It is important to keep in mind the timing of her not affirming the Franco-German relationship on old grounds.  The recent French riots have given a black eye to Jacque Chirac's French "social model" as a goal for Europeans to emulate versus the British or American model.  However, her visiting France first in the tour showed the French respect and keeps her options open for future negotiations in Europe.  The BBC continues:

"Mrs Merkel deftly called on Mr Chirac to join her new Germany as a partner in a new European project - liberal economic reform. Without it, she said, Europe's social model would be lost forever.

She listed the areas needing action - freeing up Europe's markets for services to boost growth; business deregulation; and getting Europe fit for global competition with Asia.

But in each of these areas, France has dragged its feet, preferring protectionist solutions to the perceived hardships of allowing more open competition."

Ms. Merkel is taking the reigns of EU diplomacy from a wounded Chirac by moving towards the center of EU politics as an "honest broker".

Visiting NATO headquarters in Brussels was a strong indicator of Ms. Merkel's desire to strengthen ties with America and reaffirm the Atlantic Alliance as the primary guarantor of Europe.  This was deft, because it didn't require a meeting with an American counterpart.  As a woman who grew up in communist East Germany, she has a clearer understanding than her predecessor of the value of not playing politics with your country's long-term national security interests.

Her meeting with PM Tony Blair left her with plenty of flexibility in future dealings over EU budgets and policy directions, including the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and the continental loathed British rebate that make up the major economic stumbling blocks.  Deutsche Welle describes her flexibility in giving a hand to EU rotating President Tony Blair:

"Unlike European countries like France, Merkel is not critical of the rebate and stresses that it is just one issue which needs to be looked at in order to clinch a budget deal. 'We need to address the concerns of everybody, net contributors and net beneficiaries. It doesn't just hinge on one issue,' she said."

Ms. Merkel, like Otto von Bismarck almost 150 years before, has positioned herself (all the while in a weak government) as the center of gravity for any reform and progress in Europe. She has distanced herself from the non-democratic Russians, usurped the stumbling French, and opened the door to the outsider British while affirming America's role in European security.  And all this with one tour.

Does Ms. Merkel have the savvy and intelligence to pull it all together and reassert Germany's predominant role in Europe in the tradition of Bismarck?  Time will tell, but Ms. Merkel seems off to a great start.

Posted by on November 25, 2005 at 12:05 AM in IR: EU, IR: France, IR: Germany, IR: Poland, IR: United Kingdom |

Comments

Penis Enlargement

I really agree with the facts that you have shared on this post. An interesting topic like this really enhances reader's mind to have more effective decisions over a certain issue.

Posted by: Penis Enlargement | March 11, 2011 at 07:01 PM

Women Lingerie

It helps me a lot as I am having a website related to news site. This site has helped me a lot to get important information.

Posted by: Women Lingerie | March 31, 2011 at 05:00 AM

ClubPenguin

The jury is still completely out on that, and I myself am not an optimist.

Posted by: ClubPenguin | May 23, 2011 at 02:00 AM

howtostopsnoring

I just stumbled upon this site..And I found this site very informative..

Posted by: howtostopsnoring | June 01, 2011 at 11:33 PM

stop smoking hypnosis

Nice !! This site seems so historical..Nice blog..

Posted by: stop smoking hypnosis | June 02, 2011 at 10:01 PM

UGG

I’ve found that sometimes a good visual can make all the difference to a blog post, so I’m always sure to include at least one. They brighten the place up a little too.

Posted by: UGG | July 27, 2011 at 08:01 PM

discount lotrel

A Good Website To Buy back pain Lotensin Cost of online male hormones (example: testosterone) snorting.Buy Cash Delivery Order Buy Fresno Shipped C,o,d trihexyphenidyl, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives Lotensin LOWEST Antibiotics PRICE Overnight fedex shipping low levels of pituitary hormone Pharmacy Antibiotics.Buy cod cheapest Singapore cod shipping breathing problems Cycrin is available in the UK without prescription, Bo low blood pressure Purchasing mg quick delivery, Free bonuses For All.Buy pharmacy cheap, FDA Approved dieting or on a weight loss program Lotensin Cheap Overnight Doctor unusual stiffness, tremors pharmacy.Canada Antibiotics general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms Lotensin Cheap prices unusual bleeding, bruising ing without prescription! Save on Your Medication.Antibiotics sale discount price Fast shipping, 100% satisfaction high or low blood pressure Lotensin Discount overnight seeing halos around lights Online, Certified Canadian Pharmacy.Canadian health care hair loss glaucoma Zyvox How Can I ,Cheap generic online vomiting tiredness takeing and.Buy mail order Europe online no prescription required heart disease Lotensin generic no prescription cod poor nutrition or malabsorption cheap cheapest US C,o,d shipped on saturday.Best price buying online depression, mood changes Zyloprim cost per pill online of Vestlandet Watson Online kidney disease liver disease where can i online.Sale online depressed, thoughts of suicide Lotensin Low for prices stomach problems (especially colitis) cheap cheapest US C,o,d shipped on saturday.Buy at cheapest possible prices confusion, nightmares or hallucinations Lotensin for sale HIGH QUALITY Sapporo,Hokkaido healthcare Next Day delivery low levels of pituitary hormone cheap Antibiotics online.Buy no rx cheapest South Korea with no rx and free shipping allergic reactions like skin itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue Lotensin kopa rabatterade Kopenhagen without perscription other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), foods, dyes, or preservatives Overnight Ups Cod! Moneyback Guarantee, Secure Shopping,,
paris viagra soft osta overnight, buying cialis soft osta sin receta, buying tadalis sx osta ordering,

Posted by: discount lotrel | August 13, 2011 at 12:51 AM

brazilian jiu jitsu clothing

Good post. I’m been looking for topics as interesting as this.
Very informative and information presented very well,
i really liked reading your blog,
thanks for sharing.

Posted by: brazilian jiu jitsu clothing | August 17, 2011 at 10:20 PM

accesorios maquinas de coser

Artículo interesante. Con la esperanza de que continuará la publicación de un artículo que tenga una información útil.

Posted by: accesorios maquinas de coser | September 16, 2011 at 06:29 AM

Childrens party in miami

Thanks for your many years of a great service well done! I’ve always felt good
about listing my concerts with you and linking from my website.

Posted by: Childrens party in miami | October 06, 2011 at 07:11 AM

kids birthday party ideas


You provided a valuable service to the community. Thank you for doing such a
great job all these years.

Posted by: kids birthday party ideas | October 07, 2011 at 05:54 AM

birthday party characters

I have no words to appreciate this post ..... I'm really impressed with this post
.... the person who created this post was a big thank you man .. for sharing with us.

Posted by: birthday party characters | October 13, 2011 at 02:06 AM

Best naturals

Your site is good Actually, i have seen your post and That was very informative
and very entertaining for me. Thanks for posting Really Such Things. I should
recommend your site to my friends. Cheers.

Posted by: Best naturals | October 17, 2011 at 04:45 AM

Best naturals

I am very happy to be here because this is a very good site that provides lots
of information about the topics covered in depth. Im glad to see that people are
actually writing about this issue in such a smart way, showing us all different sides
to it. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next.

Posted by: Best naturals | October 18, 2011 at 05:05 AM

limo service in EAST Brunswick

Thanks for your many years of a great service well done! I’ve always felt good
about listing my concerts with you and linking from my website.

Posted by: limo service in EAST Brunswick | October 20, 2011 at 12:43 AM

Natural Minerals

I am speechless after seeing these pictures! I love them all! I teach kindergarten
and I'm going to make a theme, and photographs have given me so many ideas! You are so talented! Thanks!

Posted by: Natural Minerals | November 22, 2011 at 12:32 AM

Herbal Vitamins

You will be missed.The one place where as a venue and fan I could search by
what ever perimeters I chose .Good Luck with your future endeavors.

Posted by: Herbal Vitamins | November 28, 2011 at 01:15 AM

« | »

The comments to this entry are closed.

Recent Posts

GodBlogCon '06

Recent Comments

The Influentials

  • Coming Anarchy
    A brilliant 3 blogger site with a global perspective and sound thinking on events of the day.
  • Hugh Hewitt
    Radio Host, Intellectual, Conservative, Evangelical, Blogger
  • InstaPundit (Glenn Reynolds)
    The central blogosphere source
  • James Lileks
    Family Man, Inspired and Witty Columnist, an Inspiration and Patriot
  • Mickey Kaus
    Center Left, Connected, Blogger, Took the Boeing
  • Powerline
    Keeping the MSM in check, Smart Intelligent Political Analysis
  • Publius Pundit
    The single best place on the web for a democracy roundup of world events.
  • Real Clear Politics
    Center Right, best political website, Election polls & Analysis
  • Roger L. Simon
    Center Left, Supporter of the GWoT
  • Simon's World
    "East Meets Westerner" - Simon, an Aussie living in Hong Kong has Asia covered with great links and commentary.
  • The Belmont Club
    Acute Analysis of the GWoT, America's Friend
  • Threats Watch
    Excellent analysis by Steve Schippert and Marvin Hutchens about national security issues around the globe.
  • Tod Bolsinger
    husband, father, pastor, author, professor, adventure lover, and triathlete (non political)
  • Winds of Change
    Liberty. Discovery. Humanity. Victory. - The Vanguard on the GWoT

Alliance

Blogs of Note

  • Between Worlds
    By blogger Bruce Chang, Between Worlds covers Asian-American relations with a piercing insight.
  • Blogs for Condi
    Interested in Condi Rice? This is the site for you with excellent links.
  • Citizen Z
    A centrist Democrat with sensible analysis of domestic and world affairs.
  • tdaxp
    Red State, National and Global Analysis from SD
  • EagleSpeak
    An insightful Milblog covering shipping, sea lanes and logistics and the war on terror.
  • The Adventures of Chester
    One of the finest MilBlogs with great links and indepth coverage
  • Little Red Blog
    Covering democratic movements around the world
  • MeiZhongTai
    An interesting blog on America-China-Tawain
  • The Acorn
    Indian foreign policy, and current affairs in the subcontinent
  • One Free Korea
    An opinionated blog on the need for regime change in North Korea with excellent analysis.
  • Quill News
    Editor, writer, ex-oil manager, ex-reporter with a good deal of thoughts on foreign policy
  • Election Projection
    Some of the best US domestic election coverage around run by a Scott a man of true character
  • The Word Unheard
    A former US Marine with a passion for "Foreign Policy, National Defense, Politics and the Media" living in NJ
  • The Red Hunter
    Covering Freedom & Democracy and America's interests in the War on Terror
  • WILLisms
    An extremely witty and beautifully presented poliblog on important issues of the day

Stats & Searches