What’s a good way to meet new people? Write a book and connect with other authors…
Jokes aside, while researching and writing the second edition of Doing Business in Germany: How to Work Successfully with Germans, I came across a whole range of tremendously interesting people – and it allowed me to connect with my network on a completely different level.
It was also through my network that I discovered Broken Republik: The Inside Story of Germany’s Descent into Crisis by Chris Reiter and Will Wilkes. Their book was published about two months after mine, and I was instantly intrigued by how these seasoned Bloomberg journalists unraveled the inside story of Germany’s ongoing identity and political crisis – a topic I had only briefly touched upon in my own publication.
Our paths crossed, and I’m very glad they did. At one point, we were even invited by the British-German Association to discuss “Broken Republik” and the current state of Germany.
What the Discussion Explored
The conversation touched on a surprisingly broad spectrum of issues that define Germany today – and how those affect its future. Some of the central themes included:
- The gap between Germany’s appearance of stability and its underlying structural issues
- Economic stagnation, inequality, and growing regional disparities
- The struggle to form an inclusive national identity amid demographic and social changes
- Political polarization, the AfD’s rise, and the weakening of mainstream parties
- History, education, and Europe’s evolving role for Germany
- …and many other facets that shape public discourse
What stood out to me most was the honest, nuanced exchange about where Germany stands – and where it might be headed. The event closed with the audience question: “What is your prediction for where Germany will be economically and socially in 10 years?”
Curious what the answer was? Watch the event recording on YouTube (Link via the British-German Association).
My Takeaway
For anyone working in international business, or simply interested in German society, “Broken Republik” offers a unique window into the country’s present crisis – and helps explain why “Made in Germany” isn’t the guarantee it once was. The discussion and the book both invite readers and listeners to consider what kind of future Germany should strive toward, and what changes will be necessary in society, the economy, and governance.
This kind of honest, evidence-based conversation is exactly what helps move Germany – and Europe – forward.
About the Book: Broken Republik
Broken Republik: The Inside Story of Germany’s Descent into Crisis by Chris Reiter and Will Wilkes (Bloomsbury, March 6, 2025) takes a hard, honest look at Germany’s current struggles – and what it would take to turn things around. Written by two seasoned Bloomberg journalists, the book combines sharp reporting with strong storytelling to show how Europe’s powerhouse drifted into crisis: from industrial scandals and the energy shock to rising inequality and political fragmentation.
Rather than pointing fingers, Reiter and Wilkes explore the deeper layers – history, culture, and identity – that shape Germany’s current malaise. They make clear that the challenges aren’t unique, but Germany’s response often is.
Broken Republik isn’t just an autopsy of decline; it’s a call for reflection. It asks how Germany can restore confidence – in its economy, its institutions, and itself.