In September's general elections in Germany, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Angela Merkel, retained power, forming a conservative coalition with the Free Democratic Party (FDP) led by Guido Westerwelle. The CDU will lead, especially in foreign policy, despite amicable German-American relations over recent decades. However, challenges loom as Westerwelle, the incoming Foreign Minister, may pursue a pro-American stance, aligning with U.S. aims on issues like the Afghan War, human rights pressures on Russia and China, nuclear warhead removal from Germany, and engagement on Iran and Israel-Palestine. Yet, Germany's self-interests are likely to override any desire to remain a junior partner to America. Having shed Cold War constraints, Germany is asserting its significant influence in Europe and globally, signaling its presence on the world stage. In the energy sector, Berlin is taking unilateral steps, heavily reliant on Russian oil and natural gas, and seeking to avoid manipulation by Moscow, which has threatened pipeline shutdowns in past winters. The new government plans to extend the life of aging nuclear reactors and build new ones to lessen dependence on Russian energy, while also investing in Russian ventures and constructing oil and gas lines through Germany or the nearby Baltic Sea to serve as a conduit to other European nations, earning transit fees. Within Europe, Germany stands as the dominant state in geography, population, and economic strength, with only France as a distant rival, using its influence to advance objectives in the European Union. Alongside France, Germany drives the retry of ratifying the Lisbon Treaty and the selection of an EU president and foreign minister, positioning Berlin's agenda, moderated by France and a weakened Britain, as Europe's agenda. With the combined economies of the EU behind it, Germany's voice demands attention in Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. Germany has also moved beyond post-World-War-II passivity, with its military engaging in a two-week offensive in northern Afghanistan this spring, using heavy weapons and armored vehicles against the Taliban. With 4,300 troops, Germany ranks as the third-largest contingent in Afghanistan, behind the U.S. and Britain, and may send up to 2,000 more during the U.S. military's Afghan surge. German confidence is growing, evident in the celebration of the Federal Republic's 60th anniversary on May 23, 2009, with widespread flag-waving, once considered too nationalistic. A University of Stuttgart study reported that 75 percent of respondents felt proud to be German, double the number from 2001, as older generations' guilt fades and patriotism rises. Germany is awakening, thinking independently with its own policy, energy, and security preferences. It shows signs of developing autonomy in foreign policy and energy matters, likely soon extending to security, marking a return to a more assertive historical identity.

Germany, believed by some Bible students to descend from ancient Assyria, has long been anticipated to regain power. In the last century, under Kaiser Wilhelm II and Adolf Hitler, Germany rose to prominence in Europe, sparking world wars and facing significant defeats. After World War I, Germany swiftly returned to dominance, with less than 20 years between the 1918 Armistice and the 1938 Anschluss with Austria. Post-World War II recovery was economically rapid but politically and militarily delayed, hindered by the Cold War division between the United States and the Soviet Union, which left Germany split for over 40 years. While West Germany prospered, East Germany struggled under Soviet control. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union's collapse, Germany reunited, working to elevate the former East to West German standards, a process now largely complete. The government transitioned smoothly from Bonn to Berlin, and residual disparities are minimal, allowing Germany to advance unhindered. Since unification, Germany has emerged as a formidable presence in Europe and globally, not merely as a leading European Union nation but as a sovereign power with the largest population and strongest economy in Europe. It leads in financial markets, champions the euro, and drives economic integration, with Frankfurt's influence resonating worldwide. Questions arise about whether Germany can now exert more than economic power and if its leaders will shape global events. Recent developments suggest an affirmative response, though the frequency and extent of Germany's use of this newfound strength remain uncertain. Germany's historical relationship with Russia, marked by both conflict and attraction, includes numerous pacts and treaties, such as Hitler's 1939 Non-aggression Pact with Stalin, which significantly impacted world affairs. Currently, Germany is negotiating an economic deal with Russia that could have political implications, potentially shifting Europe's power balance toward Germany. On December 12, 2000, German and Russian economic ministers met in Berlin to discuss converting a substantial portion of Russia's $14 billion debt to Germany into equity in Russian companies, positioning Germany as a major shareholder in Russian industry. If finalized, this pact could initiate a closer political partnership, aiding Russia's economic and political revival while enhancing Germany's leadership in a united Europe, diminishing American influence, and strengthening both nations geopolitically. This growing cooperation between Moscow and Berlin aims to bolster each country's potential and political advancement.

Germany is making itself unloved around Europe again with its assertive stance on European unification. Chancellor Helmut Kohl is boldly advocating for the swift admission of former communist Eastern European nations like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into the European Union (EU), pushing this agenda at the March inter-governmental conference on European integration. At a recent EU leaders' meeting in Madrid, Germany led the way in suggesting these countries be singled out for quick admission, likely due to their modernized economies and potential as markets where German business could dominate, as well as forming a security buffer against Russia. A significant change in German policy reflects a shift in attitude toward political involvement in foreign affairs. Since World War II, pacifist instincts and guilt over past conflicts have restrained Germany from aggressive foreign policy, but this has now changed. A December vote in the Bundestag to send 4,000 troops to the Balkans for peacekeeping in Croatia was widely supported across political lines, marking a striking reversal of traditional postwar attitudes. Economically, Germany has also become more aggressive, with Finance Minister Theo Waigel lecturing other EU countries on their obligations to join a currency union by 2002, threatening financial penalties and expulsion for non-compliance. German tactics in pushing for political and economic integration are increasingly foreboding to neighbors, with leaders like Wolfgang Schauble and Chancellor Kohl warning that without unification, Europe risks further conflict. Such tough talk from a nation historically responsible for major European wars causes deep concern among other nations. Germany's renewed assertiveness demonstrates its political and economic muscle, positioning it as the driving force behind uniting Europe. Even in relations with the United States, Germany shows inflexibility, refusing to comply with U.S. demands to remodel a nuclear research reactor in Bavaria to use low-enriched uranium, aligning itself with nations like China and Libya in defying American policy.