Hesitation as a means of coercion – that is Merkiavelli’s method. Only one fate is worse than being overwhelmed by German money and that is not being overwhelmed by German money. Power grounded in the economy has no need to invade and yet is ubiquitous.
Europe is in the crucial weeks of its epic crisis. The judgment by Germany's constitutional court returns authority to politicians in shaping a solution to the eurozone's troubles. But at a deeper level the contest for Europe's future is also about its social model, cultural resources and democrat
Without a mutualisation of risk, the euro will collapse, with devastating implications for German exports, the value of Germany's foreign investments, and the stability of its banking sector. By contrast, the reforms needed to stabilise the eurozone pose far fewer risks to Germany.
The Israel factor has politicised the business of assessing antisemitism such that the vitriolic disagreement surrounding it has become about far more than just facts, intelligent judgment and expertise. What does Israel, what does anyone gain from this?
The importance attached to maintaining the narrative of a tolerant Germany elides some uglier cultural symbolism - as evidenced by the media sensationalism of the 'Döner killings'. It's time for a more productive discussion of prejudice
