ASSESSMENTS

The Iron at the Heart of Germany

Nov 9, 2014 | 13:58 GMT

The Iron at the Heart of Germany
A series of illuminated balloons in front of the German Reichstag shows the course of the Berlin Wall, Nov. 7 -- two days before the 25th anniversary of the fall.

(Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Summary

For the past century and a half, European history has revolved around the "German question." That is, how to deal with a powerful and assertive Germany at the heart of the continent. Germany originated from fragmentation: It was repeatedly defeated, invaded and occupied. And yet it continually reemerged, each time forcing its neighbors to deal with the same conundrum. 25 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Europeans are once again dealing with a powerful Germany and wondering what it will do next.

On the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the German question remains as pertinent as ever. ...

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