Main content

Can Germany Save the World?

John Kampfner examines at the many strengths and weaknesses of contemporary Germany. Does it have the answer to some of the West's biggest problems?

In this three-part series, the author John Kampfner travels across the country, looking at the many strengths, and weaknesses of contemporary Germany. His quest: to see if Germany has the answer to some of the West’s biggest problems: coronavirus, threats from China, Russia and beyond and the challenges of protecting liberal democracy.

Germany has so far proven adept in its handling of the pandemic, and in dealing with crises more generally. How much of this is down to the leadership of Angela Merkel, or “Mutti”, as she is often known? This series looks at what it is to be German, and how its social and economic structures work. With all the turbulence around the globe, is Germany finally ready to step up and take a leadership role? From health chiefs to hipsters, car company bosses to refugees, anti-Communist pastors to entrepreneurs, Kampfner paints a vivid picture of a country that may be at the top of its game - but is fearful of what comes next.