known as Germany. Modern Germany has been reunified after almost 50 years of separation during the cold war. Once again German power and influence is on the rise. The world watches because Germany has not been able to successfully retain both total sovereignty over its territory and be an economic world power, for a substantial period of time; without plunging the world into an unavoidable conflict. The question of Germany and its position in world politics is one which has plagued statesmen since Germany's formation. This paper will argue that the answer lies within the state. Germany needs to secure itself as both the economic and political hegemon of Europe under the auspices of the European Union. Furthermore, until Germany's present condition and effectiveness in global politics changes, the instability in the European Union will continue, as well as, the persistent German question.. Twice in history Germany has risen from disorder and weakness to stand strong and belligerent upsetting the existing world order. Can there be any question of why the world views Germany suspiciously? In 1914, German expansionism and short-sighted diplomacy paved the way toward an inevitable war. Germany moved from Bismarkian Diplomacy which maintained the "status quo" in Europe and abroad, to an aggressive militaristic imperialism which desired redistribution of global territory. A large naval fleet was built second only to the Royal navy (Britain) as well as a massive increase in military hardware production. By 1913 Germany replaced Britain as the main manufacturing European power. This fact reinforced by the aggressive nature shown in German foreign policy obviously was not in the interest of maintaining any sort of status quo. The situation was far from being solved. Though Germany was defeated was placed at the mercies of the other victorious world powers, which were determined not have the scenari...
