In the last decade, we have seen unprecedented rise of women in politics. Justin Trudeau and Emmanuel Macron have been making headlines with their progressive policies on gender equality, parental leave, and equal pay. Even Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un are being discussed for their roles as leaders of their respective countries. Amidst all this, there is one woman who continues to remain at the center stage: Angela Merkel. That’s because more than any other world leader today, Merkel has left a lasting mark on her country, Europe, and the world at large.
As Chancellor of Germany and Chairperson of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), she has become an essential force in shaping policy around the globe – especially when it comes to issues concerning women and girls. In fact, Time magazine recently named her as one of the most influential people in the world; leading The Atlantic to declare that “no other woman comes close” to matching her influence at this moment in history.
A Brief Introduction to Angela Merkel
The story of Angela Merkel begins with a young woman whose dreams of becoming a scientist were put into cold storage when her father, a Lutheran pastor, insisted that she pursue a career in quantum chemistry. She did so reluctantly, earning a doctorate in science, but spending much of her free time as a bartender to make extra money.
After a series of jobs in academia and the civil service, Merkel entered politics and was elected as head of her party in 2000. Four years later, she became the first woman to lead a major German party, and in 2005 became the first woman to be named chancellor of Germany. In each of these roles, she has remained steadfast in her views, especially in her support of the European Union, which she has called the continent’s “big project” and an essential part of Germany’s identity.
The Rise of Angela Merkel: From Chemistry Professor to German Chancellor
What most distinguishes Angela Merkel from other world leaders is the subtlety of her rise to power. Most politicians, particularly in the 21st century, have followed a trajectory that is flamboyant, aggressive, and at times, reckless. Think of Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping or Donald Trump. Merkel, by contrast, has exhibited no signs of megalomania. She has rarely displayed excitement or passion in the political arena. Her rise to power has been the product of patience, deliberateness and a self-effacing approach to public life.
Merkel was born in then-East Germany, the same country where Vladimir Putin was raised. Putin and Merkel were contemporaries because Merkel was a few years older than Putin. But their paths to power could not have been more different. Putin opted for an aggressive and violent approach to politics. Merkel, by contrast, adopted a far more patient and subtle posture.
The Merging of East and West: Merkel’s Blueprint for Global Domination
Merkel’s success has been predicated on the pursuit of power through the deliberate and careful implementation of policies. Merkel’s most important policies, therefore, are those that have contributed to her ability to assert herself on the world stage.
By extending the hand of friendship to Russia, Germany has managed to overcome East-West tensions and establish itself as a dominant power in the European Union. It is important to note that the European Union has been long dominated by France and Britain. But with Germany’s growing economic and military might, the continent has become the new center of world diplomacy.
Germany’s Role in Europe: Becoming the Dominant Player
Part of this dominance has come from Germany’s growing economic prowess. Germany has become the largest economy in Europe and the fourth-largest in the world thanks to its export-driven economy. With a skilled labor force and a stable business environment, the country has attracted investment from across the globe.
But Germany’s economic success has also come from the fact that it has remained committed to running a trade deficit. More than any other country, Germany has ensured that the flow of capital is directed toward its own economy. The country, therefore, has become the main source of capital for developing countries.
Conclusion
Merkel has managed to establish herself as an essential force in shaping policy around the globe. Her rise to power has been driven by patience and self-effacement. This has set her apart from other world leaders, who have been driven by flamboyancy and aggression. There is no question that Angela Merkel is among the most powerful individuals on earth. The question, however, is whether she will remain in that position for much longer. As the world reshapes itself and new powers emerge in the East, the domination of Europe and the West may soon come to an end.
