Splendid Isolation
In his analysis entitled Splendid Isolation, Alexander Privitera explains how Germany is becoming increasingly isolated from the rest of Europe in the fight to fix the euro. With recent bond auctions in Italy and Spain providing some optimism for the euro zone, Germany may be quick to herald the success of German-style austerity in Europe. However, according to Mr. Privitera, the plan to save the euro is actually becoming less German.
Downgrades and Default
In his essay Downgrades and Default, Alexander Privitera explains that while last week’s European downgrades may not have roiled markets, they have some European leaders fuming. Though some European politicians have begun pointing fingers across the Atlantic for the recent rating cuts, according to Mr. Privitera, the problem lies within Europe itself. Until an effective plan for dealing with Greece is put forth, the euro zone crisis will continue.
Is Germany Losing its Allies?
Following a recent statement by Dutch central banker Klaas Knot, argues Alexander Privitera, it appears that Angela Merkel is beginning to lose her ally in the Netherlands when it comes to fighting Europe’s debt problems. According to Mr. Privitera, Germany’s seemingly slow approach to the Euro crisis could place them on the outside of future negotiations.
Primaries and Caucuses in the U.S. Presidential Election
Before American voters take to the polls on November 6, they will first narrow the field of candidates in a series of primaries, caucuses, and elections held in each of …
The Ratings Race
In this At Issue, Executive Director Jack Janes analyzes the aftermath of last week’s string of European downgrades by Standard and Poor’s. Like their American counterparts in last August’s U.S. downgrade, European leaders seemed quick to point fingers at those they felt were responsible for the rating cuts. However, the message from Standard and Poor’s made one thing very clear: the efforts to fix the Euro crisis are still inadequate. According to Dr. Janes, the lack of political will in Europe to realize the true core of the problem is limiting the ability to reach a consensus on how to solve it.
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Support Our WorkThe President of the Federal Republic of Germany
In this AICGS Spotlight, Kirsten Verclas, Senior Project Manager at AICGS explains the office of the President of the the Federal Republic of Germany. She also presents the current German President and the scandal that currently surrounds him.
The German President: Positioning a Platform
In this At Issue, Executive Director Jack Janes looks at the scandal surrounding Germany’s President Christian Wulff. While many are asking for the President to step down, according to Dr. Janes, Mr. Wulff can continue to hold office.
Maß und Mitte: Mitte links
Niels Annen is an analyst at the International Policy Analysis Unit of the Friedrich-Ebert Foundation and a member of the SPD national executive board. Schon bevor die nordrhein-westfälische Ministerpräsidentin Hannelore …
The Euro: How to Know When We’re There
Unfortunately for the euro zone crisis, last week’s EU summit appears to have produced yet another underwhelming plan. According to Dr. Stephen Silvia, Associate Professor at the School of International Service at American University, Europe’s leaders once again failed to address any of the major problems that still ail the euro zone economies. At the core of any plan, argues Dr. Silvia, should be an attempt to make the euro zone an “optimal currency area.”
SPD – Back to the Future with Helmut Schmidt
Elmar Sulk, Senior Strategist at Lincoln Park – Public Relations, analyzes last week’s SPD party convention, including the impassioned speech by former chancellor Helmut Schmidt. According to Mr. Sulk, with the FDP reeling in polls throughout Germany, the SPD may once again be a part of Germany’s governing coalition in 2013 – with a little help from the former “party heroes”.
2012: Between Doom and Hope
Alexander Privitera looks ahead to what we might expect for the continuation of the euro zone crisis in 2012. According to Mr. Privitera, while we may not witness a great start to the New Year, there is reason to believe things could change for the better.
Draghi to the Rescue
Alexander Privitera examines the new head of the ECB, Mario Draghi, since he took the helm of the Frankfurt based central bank. According the Mr. Privitera, Draghi has indeed acted boldly, but continues to stand firm in his decision to not allow the ECB to become the lender of last resort. Mr. Draghi is growing increasingly impatient with Europe’s leaders and expects them to finally act on their promises.
