THE STATE OF THE WORLD: GERMANY'S STRATEGY

By: George Friedman

Published: Stratfor and Finance and Townhall; 3/18/2012; http://finance.townhall.com

Level of Difficulty: ****

QUESTIONS

1.       What has the post WW2 strategy of Europe been as far as Germany is concerned?

2.       The text describes a chain of events culminating in a united Germany. What event set the ball rolling upsetting the status quo?

3.       There have always been two courses of action open to Germany in the European arena. They are:

4.       Did the above policy work as far as France and Germany were concerned? What were the results of their response?

5.       Why did Germany start WW1 andWW2?

6.       The German economic miracle was triggered by the perceived need to …………………………………

7.       How did European countries plan to keep Germany on a tight leash?

8.       Which of the following would not describe German strategy post WW2? A balancing act, a softly-softly approach, a play for power or give and take.

9.       Germany’s strategy post WW2 guaranteed Germany serious advantages with respect to ……………………………………………………………………………………… (Use your own words).

10.   The major reason why the EU is vital for Germany is the fact that………………………………….. Trade with the EU was facilitated by two factors. They are: ……………………………………………..

11.   Read as far as “An Alternative Strategy”. What will the immediate consequence of Germany underwriting the debt of troubled EU countries be? What will the ultimate consequence be?

12.   Which view is right in your view; Germany’s or Southern Europe’s? Discuss. What do you think the future will bring?

13.   How would you best summarize the relationship between Russia and Germany? Use your own words.

14.   Germany views its relationship with Russia as an alternative to ………………………………………..

15.    A. In terms of alliance, what is Germany’s first choice? What is Germany’s fall back plan?

B. The latter will become an option if ………………………………………………………………………………

        16. What would the consequence of a German Russian alliance be?

WRITING TASK

Refer back to your answer to question 12. After doing some more research, write an essay justifying your opinion. It is suggested that you try tedtalks as well as reading material.

THE STATE OF THE WORLD: GERMANY’S STRATEGY / KEY AND TEACHER’S NOTES

Since many students won’t have the background to discuss the topic beforehand, I suggest you find an appropriate video on tedtalks – which is my rock as far listening goes by the way – have the students listen, take notes and then discuss the content before moving on to the text. Alternatively, you could have the students come to class having done their research. It is also possible to cover the text and questions in sections. One thing I can guarantee is a brilliantly written text which will broaden students’ horizons as well as improve their English.

1.       Taking advantage of Germany’s economic dynamism while avoiding the treat of German domination.

2.       Napoleon and his campaign to dominate Europe

3.       Preventing an alliance between France and Russia; defeating France and ending the treat of an alliance.

4.       No. They did form alliances. It not only stimulated their economies but also provided an alternative to British goods.

5.       By the early 20^th century, the Triple…………. If they attacked, ………………………….

6.       Contain the Soviet Union.

7.       By binding Germany to the rest of Europe economically and militarily

8.       A play for power

9.       The economy, sovereignty and lack of conflict. The students need to draw conclusions from the information.

10.   Europe is a critical customer. The pricing of the euro; regulations in Brussels.

11.   European bureaucrats heavily oriented towards German policies will be put in charge of the finances of countries receiving aid against default. It would be an assault on democracy and national sovereignty

12.   Answers will vary.

13.   Possible answer: there is a substantial synergy between Russia and Germany economically, politically and militarily.

14.   The EU.

15.   A. An alliance with both France and Russia. An alliance with either France or Russia. B. If France decides it has other options such as its idea of a Mediterranean union.

16.   It would become a challenge on a global basis