111. Angela Merkel: Putin, Trump, and Europe's future
Dec 9, 2024
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Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany who led for 16 years, shares insights from her extensive political career and discusses her new book, 'Freedom.' She reflects on her upbringing in East Germany and the impact of the Berlin Wall's fall on her views. The conversation dives into her leadership lessons through crises like Brexit and the migration crisis, the importance of Franco-German cooperation, and her thoughts on ensuring Ukraine's security amidst the current geopolitical landscape.
Angela Merkel attributes her leadership perspective to her upbringing in East Germany, highlighting the significance of understanding closed societies in governance.
Merkel reflects on the complex crises during her tenure, particularly the migration crisis and Brexit, which tested her commitment to European unity.
She emphasizes the need for Europe to address the challenges posed by populism and the integration of Eastern European states to maintain unity.
Deep dives
Angela Merkel's Political Journey
Angela Merkel recounts her upbringing in East Germany, emphasizing how her early experiences shaped her perspective as a leader. She describes her childhood as happy even under a repressive state, indicating a deep understanding of the nuances within closed societies. Her father's decision to move to the East was politically motivated, as he aimed to serve the Christian community there, while her mother had to sacrifice her own career aspirations. This backdrop influenced Merkel's later political decisions, where she learned the importance of distinguishing between public scrutiny and private freedom.
Significant Moments as Chancellor
During her time as Chancellor, Merkel faced multiple crises, prominently the global financial crisis, migration issues, and Brexit. She recounts the significant challenges posed by the banking sector during the financial crisis, expressing disappointment in their irresponsibility. The refugee influx during the Syrian crisis tested her leadership, as she famously asserted, 'We can do this' but later reflected on the complexities that the decision entailed. The unexpected fallout from Brexit also showcased her commitment to maintaining EU unity despite growing skepticism across member states.
Interaction with Vladimir Putin
Merkel's understanding of Vladimir Putin is profoundly shaped by her unique background, having grown up in a divided Germany and speaking fluent Russian. She perceives Putin's actions as motivated by a desire to restore Russia's power after the remnants of the Soviet Union. This perspective leads Merkel to criticize his authoritarian practices and the handling of democratic movements within Russia. She explains that his need for an external opponent, such as NATO, illustrates his inability to embrace democratic values that allow for growth and prosperity.
Reflections on Brexit
Merkel expresses a sense of disappointment and torment regarding Brexit, acknowledging miscalculations by former UK leaders like David Cameron. She highlights how Cameron's decisions to distance himself from pro-EU parties left him vulnerable to Eurosceptic pressures, ultimately contributing to the referendum's outcome. Despite her attempts to accommodate British concerns during negotiations, she feels that not enough was done to prevent the Brexit path. Merkel laments the loss of a significant partner in the EU, emphasizing the importance of British participation in European unity.
The Future of Europe
Merkel speaks candidly about the challenges facing the European Union today, particularly regarding the integration of Eastern European states and the rise of populism. She notes how the enlargement of the EU has led to complex dynamics among member states and a fragmented political landscape. The disillusionment of countries in the Western Balkans, eager for EU membership, is a point of concern for her, underlining the importance of meeting their expectations. Merkel stresses that Europe must navigate its future with sensitivity and understanding to avoid further losses of unity and cooperation.
What lessons on leadership does Angela Merkel have after 16 years served as Chancellor of Germany? Does she have any regrets from her tenure? What was it like being in East Germany when the Berlin wall fell? And what should Europe do to ensure the future security of Ukraine?
Rory and Alastair are joined by ex-Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, to discuss all this and more.
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