Electoral Law Blues
With the next scheduled federal election about 14 months away, Germany has a problem. On July 25, 2012 the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that most, if not all, of the electoral law passed in late 2011 is unconstitutional. In fact it is so unconstitutional that the Court refused to allow any “temporary,” stop-gap version of the old law for 2013. What happens if the Merkel government falls before then (unlikely, but always a possibility in a parliamentary system)? No one knows.
Deutsche Bank Layoffs Amid Economic Uncertainty
On July 31, Deutsche Bank announced that it would cut 1,500 jobs from its investment banking branch. In the weeks leading up to the announcement, the bank found itself confronting …
Seeking Solutions in Syria
While the media in the U.S. and in Europe spent the last two weeks largely focused on the final Olympic medals count in London, reports on the rising body count …
Slimming Down: The Pivot, Austerity, and the Path Ahead for Transatlantic Security
“If Article 5 beckons, the United States should and will be there.” Barry Pavel and Jeff Lightfoot of the Atlantic Council It goes beyond saying that this statement is one …
6 Grundsätze für Stabilität
This analysis was originally published by Initiative Neue Soziale Marktwirtschaft. The original text is in German, but an executive summary in English can be found below. Ein Rahmen für die …
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Support Our WorkShock Waves from Europe
This recent analysis by Kris Bledowski takes a look at the potential negative effects on the economies of Europe and the United States should a major meltdown – either economic or …
Steps to Creating a Bicycle-Friendly City
Did you know that there is approximately one bicycle trip taken in the U.S. for every twenty taken in Germany? AGI Fellow and Assistant Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning …
Has Germany Been Successful Running a High-Wage Manufacturing Sector?
Throughout Germany’s handling of the euro zone crisis, much has been made of its strong economy – particularly in the manufacturing sector – as an example for the less economically stable countries to follow. However, as Dr. Stephen Silvia points out, Germany’s success in high-wage manufacturing jobs may not be all it is cracked up to be.
National ID: Fear Meets Fairness
In a somewhat overlooked decision of the Supreme Court, the key provision of Arizona state’s immigration law is ruled constitutional. Giving rise to calls for and against this “your papers, …
Europe’s Unclear Horizons
Geithner’s visit to the German island of Sylt this week to discuss plans for navigating the euro crisis clearly signals Washington’s growing discomfort with Europe’s economic situation. As AICGS President Jack Janes points out, leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are feeling the pressure to find clearer horizons amidst the turbulent economic forces battering their economies.
Draghi’s Master Plan
The President of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi disappointed financial markets on Thursday when he announced that the ECB will wait to restart its bond buying program. However, a closer look at what Draghi said during his press conference should encourage both investors anxious for quick action and skeptics in Germany alike. Draghi has a plan, but he is still resisting the temptation to let politicians off the hook.
Constitutional Review and the German Bailout Controversy
The United States Supreme Court and Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court have recently become the focal point over a series of hotly debated political issues in their respective countries. As they decide on issues that could have far reaching political consequences, Donald Kommers examines the frameworks under which both courts operate.
