Whither the State?

For analyzing power in combination with affects of globalization I chose to research German.  The history of this country is tainted by its past, but nonetheless has become an integral part of the global community.  While researching the fluctuation of power within the Germany state, there are multiple occurance of power shift.  The change in power can be demonstrated by the power distribution of different political systems utilized in Germany, or the consequences of joining the European Union.

At present Germany has been on top, while other countries are struggle during the economic crisis; this was not always the case.  In the past the German regime was not as strong as it is today.  Prior to the spread of globalization, which imposed an extensive degree of international pressure, the German empire had a functioning regime (Hauss & Haussman 145). The pressures of globalization continued into the 20^th century.  The negative consequences of globalization can be demonstrated by the global communities treatment of Germany at the conclusion of WWI (144).   The reparation payments that the German state was forced to pay, only further crumbled the states power.  Another example of how globalization can be linked to the failure of the state is represented by the German’s role in the EU.  This structure unifies numerous European states, where some countries benefits and others suffer.  The interdependence of countries in the EU has weakened the German state, because their economic wealth is now being distributed amongst failing countries, such as Greece (Osborne 1).

Although globalization has hindered the German regime at times there are also examples of the state assert its own power over the forces of globalization.    WWII is prime example of state independence.  The German regime broke away from the global pressures imposed after WWI and worked on nation building; which resulted in the states ability to separate from the forces of globalization.  This attempt to assert power did not end successfully.  Finally globalization is what rebuilt Germany into the prosperous state it is today.

In conclusion, from these observation I think it is important for the state to be abled to assert is own independence, however remain a component of the international community.  As time proceeds, resources are becoming limited and the necessity to help and be helped is becoming more important.