Publication

This brief addresses the gap between Europe's expectations of German political leadership and the country's capacity to meet them. The author argues that, occupied with its own domestic concerns, Germany lacks the political ambition to provide clear leadership in the areas of building a solid banking union, initiating a growth strategy, and showing a greater commitment to European foreign policy. Despite the 2013 elections, she predicts that Germany will continue with its pragmatic approach, rather than embracing its status of a power with an obligation to lead.