The Rise of The AfD

 

The Alternative for Germany Party is seeing success in elections. The far-right political party does not have a majority in the state legislature. The AfD tends to have more support in the eastern states of Germany. The reason relates to economic disparities and the aftermath of the collapse of East Germany. The disdain for leftism or socialist ideas comes from memories of living under a Soviet supported state. Racism was a part of German history and did not disappear with the defeat of Nazi Germany. The migrant crisis was also a factor. The AfD emerged in 2013 during the early stages of the migrations from West Asia and Africa. The claim is that the AfD is pro-Russian, but what they desire is an end to the Russia-Ukraine War. The AfD still sees Eastern Europe and Russia in particular as lower. The new agenda to expand Germany's military demonstrates renewed hostility to Eastern Europe. Few political parties want to work with the AfD, but proposals have come form an unexpected place. The BSW, which is classified as left-wing could ally with the AfD. The traditional political labels do not matter when Germans are unified in racial hostility. The misnomer for this phenomenon is called populism, but the movement is xenophobic nativist nationalism. The reason political parties like the AfD are gaining momentum is due to the political establishment. Seen as oblivious to realities of the world and elitists voters in European countries are turning to far-right political parties. The Christian Democrats are facing possible losses in power. The AfD on its own is not formidable based on the election results. It could become a threat if it builds a large enough coalition to counter establishment political parties.  

The Kenya-Germany Migration Deal

 

Germany and Kenya have reached a migration pact. The agreement allows Kenyans who are skilled and semi-skilled to work in Germany. Those skilled professionals of Kenya are not be provided jobs in their country. Germany wants to fill certain positions. This might sound like a positive economic development, but there are some concerning stipulations. Kenyans in Germany could be repatriated who have uncertain legal status. The pact could create a brain drain for Kenya and subject Kenyans in Germany to labor exploitation. There are Germans who could work certain jobs, but employers want workers who would not demand higher wages or salaries. Germany has taken a number of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. Syrians, Ukrainians, and now Kenyans are becoming a part of Germany. Immigration has become a major issue and has caused a surge in far-right political parties. Kenyan doctors, nurses, and teachers can now come to work in Germany. The loss of these professionals only hurt Kenya. Most will probably not return to Kenya and seek to get German citizenship. This only makes Germany economically more powerful by using the Kenyan workforce. President William Ruto's choice could have negative consequences long after his administration. Rarely does Germany send its expertise to African countries. Kenya must find an incentive to keep their workforce in the country. Increasing pay and the standard of living will make citizens remain in Kenya.  

President Hage Geingob Challenges Norbert Lammert's Anti-Chinese Racism (2018)

 

President Hage Geingob (1941-2024) met with German politician Norbert Lammert in 2018. Lammert was the new chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The organization has been closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union. The organization is more of a consulting group and think tank. As their mission statement explains they want to promote freedom and liberty. What some observe is an attempt for the German conservative movement to impose their ideas on other nations. Norbert in the discussion claims that Germany is concerned about China's relations with Namibia. Sounding alarmed in a xenophobic manner he takes note of how their is a Chinese population in the country. Norbert Lammert is almost offended that it outnumbers the Germans in Namibia President Hage Geingob responded by saying Namibia is not under Chinese control and that it is " a European problem." President Hage Geingob also reiterates Namibia will not be lectured by a former colonizer. Germany refuses to pay compensation for the Herero genocide. Namibia fought a long war against occupation by Apartheid South Africa. Namibia would have remained under Germany's control if it had not lost World War I. China is the second largest economy in the world. It only makes sense that nations do business with it. President Hage Geingob also exposes that there is little equality when it comes to visas. Namibia is generous to Germans, but Germany is less welcoming of Namibians. Norbert Lammert revealed his anti-Chinese racism by assuming that China's motivations are for imperial intent. President Hage Geingob countered his prejudiced arguments on the basis of Namibia's national sovereignty.  

The Breakdown Of Peace Talks In Yugoslavia (1991)

 

Yugoslavia was facing civil war and ethnic conflict. Around 1991 Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia were on the verge of a massive war. The truce talks broke down between Serbia and Slovenia. The biggest concern was about border crossings into western Europe. Customs fees were the dispute and there was a proposal that Slovenia could run the border on the behalf of the Yugoslav government. Economics was playing a role in the tension and hatreds. Slobodan Milosevic no longer was opposing the break-up of the country, but wanted all Serbs united in a single state. The problem was that Serbs were in enclaves located in Croatia and Slovenia. The European Community and the U.S.S.R came to act as mediators in the dispute. It was clear that the EC was not really trying to stabilize the situation. If that were the case Croatia and Slovenia would not have been given recognition as independent states. A unified Germany wanted influence in the Balkans and recognition of Croatia was the first step. Recognition of Slovenia was to follow. Germany's push to recognize both break away republics in 1992 only exacerbated the conflict. The result was a war on European soil not seen since World War II and ethnic cleansing.  

Germany's Recession

 

Germany is Europe's largest economy and is now in recession. The concern is that this could be an indication of  a growing economic crisis. The effect could be global and other EU countries could be effected. Output has fallen to 0.3 % in the first quarter of 2023. The aftermath of COVID-19, inflation, and the sanctions on Russia are contributing factors. Manufacturing has seen a slump in Germany. Combined with a decline in retail sales demonstrates consumers have little disposable income. If prices increase for food and fuel, consumers will not spend more.    The recession could last longer than what some economists predict. The European Central Bank has increased interest rates, which has not been done since 2008. This policy will not be a solution to the recession. Even if the sanctions related to fuel were abolished, the damage has been done. Businesses and workers are going to face the majority of hardship. Germany has a 7.2 % inflation rate, which means the average German citizen will struggle to afford certain products. The Bundesbank claims that the economy should recover around April to June. The hope is that industry will see growth, which will counter low consumer spending. Reducing subsidies for hybrid and electric cars was not the best decision for the current quarter. Car production is an essential part of the physical economy and ensures a source of employment. The German auto industry becomes less  competitive without technological innovation. The warning signs of a bigger recession were seen in 2021. According to the Federal Statistical Office ( Destatis ) Germany was  technically in a recession in March of 2021.   

Ursula von der Leyen Disregards The Challenges of Palestine

 

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been condemned for her comments related to Palestine. She expressed that Israel made " the desert bloom" on social media  for the country's 75th  anniversary. The issue with the statement is that ignores the violence and colonization that has caused  years of human rights violations. It should not be forgotten, that Germany's imperialist war and genocide resulted in the large exodus of Jews from Europe. Arab civilization predates European settlement and it appears to be an effort to erase that history. The Hittite Empire, the Assyrian Empire, Mesopotamian civilization, Persian Empire, Ottoman Empire,  the Abbasid and Umayyad caliphates contributed more than the state of Israel. Sumer was the earliest West Asian civilization. The original inhabitants of    Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel were not Europeans. Racism does not only distort the historical narrative, but also negatively impacts diplomacy. Ursula von der Leyen demonstrated that the European Union has not only an anti-Palestinian sentiment, but an general anti-Arab policy. The EU Commission President has not said anything about the judicial reforms in Israel, seem as an attack on the democratic system. Her actions further demonstrate that the EU is not a supporter of human rights. The unbreakable support for a country that continues to subject people to occupation and implements authoritarian policies should not be praised. Arab nations should not cooperate with countries that view them as less than human. Palestine and other Arab states would have a better future enhancing diplomatic relations with Africa, East Asia,  and Latin America. Unless the EU 's  foreign policy changes, they might seem themselves further isolated by other continents. 

Germany Will Send Leopard 2 Tanks To Ukraine

 

Germany  has confirmed that it will give Ukraine more arms. What Ukraine will be getting is leopard 2 tanks. For months, the public has been told that Russia will not be successful. Now, it appears that the Russian Federation will maintain the territories in the Donbas. Russia has more tanks than Ukraine, so this will not dramatically change the situation. The only people who benefit are the arms manufacturers. The war in Ukraine has increased profits for these corporations. The Russia-Ukraine conflict demonstrates the devasting effects of the military industrial complex. The major concern for Germany is that they would be pushed out the arms market in Europe by the United States. Gradually, the war is escalating and might spread. Belarus or Moldova could be drawn into the conflict. Chancellor Olof Scholz stated only 14 tanks are being sent to Ukraine. It should be assumed that more will come. The US and United Kingdom are sending tanks, which indicates some economic competition. Sending more weapons prolongs the conflict and results in more loss of life. More arms come, a peace settlement becomes more unattainable. NATO does not want a peace settlement and Russia has lost patience . The conflict could last months or  years with more arms shipments.   

Namibia Rejects Germany's Reparations

 

Germany made an attempt at reconciliation with its colonial past by making an offer of reparations to Namibia. However, this seems like an empty gesture considering the amount of death that occurred between 1904 and 1907.  The Herero and Namaqua were targeted by the German Empire. The rebellion against German colonial rule resulted in the violence from  Kaiser Wilhelm II. Germany wanted to be on equal footing with other European powers and engaged in imperial conquest. The rebellion was crushed, but German Southwest Africa was lost to the Allies during World War I. President Hage Geingob rejected Germany's offer on the basis the amount of reparations funds remains too low. Negotiations for compensation have been  conducted since 2015, with little progress. Descendants of the few survivors of the genocide are demanding a total of  $4,000,000,000 in compensation. Germany continues to remain more intractable in regards to compensation. While the two countries do maintain relations, they may become strained. The offers Germany proposes have been revealed to be 10,000,000 euros ($11,000,000) . This proposed agreement is not acceptable to the people who lost their lives and a nation still vexed about  past colonial practice. Chancellor Angela Merkel has not made any attempts to increase compensation  or reparation amounts. If Germany was able to pay compensation to Israel for the Holocaust, there should be limited dispute about doing the same for Namibia. Germany has a stronger economy in comparison to other European Union states. If  Namibia cannot get a compensation amount that is acceptable, it should consider dismantling diplomatic relations. Apologies are not enough to eliminate  the legacy of colonial  aggression. The negotiations may take longer, however Namibia has the support of other African nations. The African Union could start taking interest in member states that want compensation from other countries such as France, the UK, Spain, Belgium, and Portugal.  

The Bundesbank Warns of Recession

Germany may be facing a possible recession according to warnings from the Bundesbank. The global market may still be vulnerable with the on going trade war between the United States and China. The gross domestic product contracted in Germany three months until June at 0.1 %. Recessions happen when decreases in economic growth happen over a number of  following quarters. Chancellor Angela Merkel had assured the public that no stimulus was required to help the economy, but there are indicators that a possible crisis is on the horizon. Germany is not the only country at risk for recession. Italy, the UK, Mexico,China, the US,  and Brazil  may see economic down turns. This only becomes more complicated with Britain's exit from the European Union. The world's major economies could be seeing another global financial meltdown similar to that of 2008. Many have not recovered from downturn with chances of  stable employment and secure retirement out of reach. Germany faces a dilemma with being an exporter of goods to China and still maintaining  business relations with Russia. The United States has gradually let relations with these countries decline causing a level of turbulence in global markets. The Trump administration had added more tariffs, but made an exception for certain goods for fear it would harm US consumers during the holiday season. German automakers have trepidation about Brexit and sales have dramatically declined. Industrial output fell to 5% compared to the previous year according to German government data. Germany may be facing the worst  economic situation since the early 1920s. While it would be an exaggeration to say there will be another Great Depression, the economy will deteriorate without immediate intervention.