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Providing political leadership? Three case studies on Germany's ambiguous role in the eurozone crisis.
- Source :
- Journal of European Public Policy; Jan2017, Vol. 24 Issue 1, p1-20, 20p
- Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Throughout the eurozone crisis, observers called upon Germany to assume leadership. Yet, Germany has not emerged as the hoped-for leader. According to the issue at stake, we observe three different outcomes: firstly, Germany refused to lead; secondly, Germany assumed leadership, but failed to deliver; thirdly, Germany acted as a successful leader. This article examines the reasons for this variance by analysing and comparing one case for each outcome: the first financial assistance to Greece; the failed attempt to establish a ‘super-commissioner'; and the shaping of the Fiscal Compact. The analysis includes original data, gathered through interviews in Brussels, Frankfurt and Berlin. The variance in Germany's behaviour can be explained by employing a rational institutionalist model of leadership. Germany's emergence as a leader depends on the expected costs and benefits of leading. Its impact, in contrast, depends on its power, the distribution of preferences among the actors involved and institutional constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13501763
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of European Public Policy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 120184581
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13501763.2016.1146325