With its substantial population, numerous rivers, and impressive industrial output, Germany has held a dominant position in Europe for many years. A recent economic slowdown, partially attributed to the loss of access to Russia’s affordable natural gas, has resulted in Germany becoming one of the worst-performing developed nations.
In his post-American series, Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan focuses on Germany’s decline and argues it will help lead to the demise of the EU within the decade.
Excerpted from Peter’s Dec. 21 “Zeihan on Geopolitics” newsletter:
Ahhh, Western Europe. A region with no shortage of history, but how will they move forward into a deglobalized world? Let’s just say Germany will soon be replaced as the dominant regional power.
Germany is approaching demographic collapse and major economic challenges, and its role in the EU will be greatly diminishing. So who will replace them? The most viable candidates are France and the United Kingdom, but only time will tell.
The U.S. and Russia both have a heavy hand of influence in this region, so the power dynamics will continue to evolve as deglobalization sets in. Western Europe will continue drawing lots of attention in the coming years, so we’ll be revisiting this conversation soon.
Access Peter’s other post-American world commentaries:
- East Asia in a post-American world
- Romania in a post-American world
- Scandinavia reawakens in a post-American world
- Australia in a post-American world
- India in a post-American world
- How should Turkey navigate in a post-American world?
- Northern Africa in a post-American world
- Israel in a post-American world
- The Middle East in a post-American world
- Getting ready for the post-American world