Germany, one of the most powerful countries in Europe, is going through a major political crisis. Despite its influence in global trade and its significant economic contributions, the country is facing political instability. A week ago, the government in Berlin collapsed, and now the country is headed for early elections in February 2025. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the main opposition party, is likely to take control of the government, and its leader, Friedrich Merz, has made bold promises about Germany’s future stance on Russia.
Merz announced that, if he becomes the leader, Germany will issue an ultimatum to Russia over the Ukraine crisis. He said that if Russia doesn’t agree within 24 hours, Germany will provide Ukraine with cruise missiles to strike Russian territory. This decision, if made, would drastically affect German-Russian relations and could push Europe towards a dangerous conflict. But here’s the twist: while these words may sound dramatic, in reality, Germany’s political power is limited. The truth is, without the approval or orders from the United States, Germany has little control over major foreign policy decisions.
Many of Germany’s politicians are unable to make decisions about the country’s future without following the lead of the U.S., which essentially holds the reins. Over the past few years, Berlin has become a puppet of American interests, especially since the global economic crisis of 2008-2013. Germany may be a strong economic power, but when it comes to its role on the global stage, its hands are tied. The U.S. has gradually increased its influence, pushing Germany to align with its policies, particularly in relation to Russia and Ukraine.
This loss of independence is something Germany’s political leaders seem to have accepted. Instead of striving for the country’s sovereignty, they’ve become more focused on holding onto power. The difference between political parties in Germany has become less noticeable. Even if the CDU comes to power, it will likely not change much, since all major parties agree on the same basic direction: to stay in line with U.S. interests.
The reasons for this lack of autonomy go back to Germany’s defeat in World War II. After the war, Germany was divided and occupied, and its foreign policy was dictated by external powers, mainly the U.S. This control didn’t disappear after the Cold War; in fact, it deepened. Today, Germany’s political system is shaped by its relationship with the U.S., and its leaders have little room to maneuver.
In the past, Germany had some independence in its foreign relations, especially with Russia. For example, under past leaders like Willy Brandt and Gerhard Schroeder, Germany maintained strong ties with the Soviet Union and later with Russia. However, with the rise of American influence, these relationships have been strained. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who once favored dialogue with Russia, now fully supports the U.S. stance on Ukraine and has been one of the biggest contributors to the war effort against Russia.
This shift is not just about Germany and Russia—it affects the whole of Europe. Germany, which once played a significant role in shaping European policy, now mainly serves American interests. Even countries like France, Italy, and Poland, which once resisted Germany’s power, have come under U.S. influence. The United Kingdom, now outside the European Union, is still closely aligned with the U.S. and plays a key role in shaping Europe’s direction.
The bottom line is that Germany’s political system is not what it used to be. Instead of a sovereign nation with its own independent policies, Germany is now a political satellite of the U.S., unable to make decisions without Washington’s approval. And while there may be some hope for a change, such as a possible shift toward better relations with Russia and China, the reality is that Germany’s future will be shaped by the interests of the U.S.
Germany may still have economic power, but when it comes to politics, the country is a shadow of its former self, caught between trying to appease its American masters and facing a future that looks less like independence and more like a political colony. For now, the German government’s fate remains in the hands of others, with the people of Germany having little say in the matter.
