Germany is at an inflection point, and so is the U.S.--both with global implications.
I have opinions about what is 'right', but I have no certainty about what is the best way forward. What do I consider the best way forward? The way that brings the greatest good to the most people.
This is a fascinating analysis. I have also read much about 19th century Germany. I try to look at history, see trends and apply those trends to contemporary geopolitical events. I do so with no confidence.
The famous pendulum of history is swinging with mighty force these days. And it is swinging with startling rapidity. The inclination toward autocracy is undeniable at the moment. Do we need to retreat from so-called democracy? Has liberalism dug its own grave?
I don't know. These days I feel like an observer, not an actor. Probably always was true, but I never felt before so politically insignificant. That must mean something.
Great blog, @zuerich. One need not agree or disagree, but one certainly must think.
Yes, In my opinion that has been the case since at least 2008 (financial crisis). The state apparatus has even been growing since the early 1990s. Though there are some tendencies towards autocracy in many (western) countries, I see some positive developments like the department of government efficiency where fraud, inefficiency and waste is reduced. And reducing the extent of government is a fight against fascism and against inflation (and inflation is per se detrimental to the lower classes and a driver of extreme election results).
Great point 😀