As the situation in Europe gets worse and worse, the future of the Euro-zone looks rather grim. Europe, as well as the entire world, now looks to Germany for the rescue. Naturally, being the founder of the Euro-zone, Germany is unlikely to turn a blind eye on the issue (as manisfested by the passing of the Euro-bailout fund), but the reluctance demonstrated by Chancellor Merkel to pass the bill reflects another aspect concerning the German involvement in the European financial disaster.

For decades after the Second World War, Germany has relegated itself to focusing primarily on rebuilding its fractured economy and infrastructure, leaving politics to its western neighbor, France. The robust German economy proved to be something both its European neighbors love and, fear. The scars of German nationalism is still visible to many, and the last thing Europe wants is another wave of “German domination”.

While the other European states certainly have legitimate concerns, it is unlikely that Germany’s active involvement in the Euro-zone will bring about another wave of Teutonic invasion. The German economy relies heavily on export, and any potential political disturbance will mean less profit. As well, in a globalized age such as today, when the interests of all the countries are so tightly intettwined, these concerns are more or less on the foolish side.

Images courtesy of : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Germany_(state).svg and http://articles.businessinsider.com/2010-05-17/markets/30087395_1_greek-imf-, inunemployment-rate, in order of precedence.