In this episode, we take a hard look at Germany’s current crossroads, where economic fragility and political tensions collide. Once the bedrock of European stability, Germany now faces challenges like the rise of the far-right AFD party, factory closures at Volkswagen, and energy crises driven by its dependency on Russian fuel. We explore the deeper cultural and historical factors at play, diving into the uneasy relationship between East and West Germany, the legacy of Angela Merkel’s policies, and the country's strained stance on immigration. With the help of historian Katja Hoyer, we unpack why Germany’s once rock-solid economy and political center are starting to crack—and what that means for the future of Europe. Join the gang! https://plus.acast.com/s/the-david-mcwilliams-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.