Not wanting to drag this out any more, it was common belief after WW2 that the Nazis and industrialists of Germany had a plan to implement should Germany lose the war. That was economic rather than military domination of Europe.
I have never ever heard about this "common belief". Never met anyone who knew about this. Never heard anyone mention that he knew anyone who knew. That`s anywhere in the world I've been to. US, Africa, Europe.
Giving up the strong Deutsche mark for the Euro definitely worked in Germany's favor by making their exports cheaper.
I respect your wish to not drag this out. My reply will be in the psychodad section. You may or may not want to read it there.
A good example was Greece with the subs they bought from Germany, Germany borrowed them money to buy German submarines.
Actually, I think this the perfect example for what I was trying to bring across. It all boils down to the fact that Germany is now basically paying for its exports itself.
During the Deutschmark era, German products were expensive, but high quality. They managed to be among the top export nations, besides charging high prices. Everybody was happy: Export fims, employees (white and blue collar), customers, etc..
Then, along came the EURO. It was never voted upon, but sold to the general public with promises of boosting the economy, while remaining as stable as the Deutschmark because of penalties in the Maastricht treaty (I think it was somethng like max. 3% deficit of the yearly budget). Of course, those penalties would be enforced fiercly. Along with the onset of globalization, exporters quickly realized that they could reap in big loads of money - and bonuses - by churning out goods and threatening workforce to go abroad if they asked for "unduly" pay raises. That`s why net income increases for non-management have remainded almost stale for something like a decade+. On the other side of the trade, buyer nations found it harder and harder to come up with the money for their desired goods. Because, you know, inflation, ever increasing government spending, higher fees and taxes, relative economic weakness compared to Germany...So finally, they started to offer IOUs in exchange for all these goods. German exporters said no problem, took those IOUs to the central bank and got money in return. They basically opened up a tab for their exports. Meanwhile, this tab is more than sky-high and cannot realistically be paid back (look up "Traget 2").
Bottom line: Germany has been paying for its exports itself for quite a number of years. It`s a bubble about to break. Not a means of ruling the EU.
The useless bidges and streets thing is a matter of competition. Somehow, people thought it would be a good decision to give a specific contract to a German company (lobbying notwithstanding). This is, imho, changing as well. Just look at the number of countries that are dealing with China in their road-and-belt-initiative. And China is making all their "partners" depending on loans given to them. I have heard that there are rules and regulations that will allow Chinese companies/China to seize things like roads, harbours, etc. if loans aren`t being paid back on schedule. Sounds more like ruling to me...
Other than that, I share your pessimistic outlook on the near-term.
I think, riots might be the only solution - and way out - for Germany, and in consequence, Europe. If this government keeps on riding that train which is heading against a wall at full speed, it will end up something that I never ever wanted to live through.
Meathook realities (TM: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, bathroom scene) incoming.
Btw: I really appreciate you showing me the ropes with this quoting thing.
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