Axis of Testosterone confronts Angela Merkel
German lawmaker Cem Özdemir ... recently referred to Messrs. Trump, Putin, and Erdogan as “the new authoritarian axis of testosterone.”With the G20 Summit coming up, Angela Merkel finds herself in a ... hairy ... situation as she now faces a new axis of ev-- uh, testosterone.
Where does she stand in conflict with these people? Trump: disagreements on globalization and terrorism policies Erdogan: insistence in the vindication of Deniz Yücel, who was placed with false terror charges, and stopping Erdogan from making a planned speech that may divide the Turks who live in Germany Putin: suspicions of potential Russian hackers in the next German elections, Crimea annexation
As a leader, Merkel's described as not being demanding enough. The lady's really good at compromising and lending an ear in trying to understand her adversary's interests and listening to them all the way through. This, in turn, makes her come off a little too "soft", which may not be to her benefit in the current political landscape. Or maybe it is?
At least in the case of Trump, who is very obviously emotionally-driven, the best strategy in maintaining a relationship between the US and Germany is being a good listener who's willing to acknowledge and understand the interests of an adversary. This is especially true in the two politicians' interests regarding globalization. ...I'm not so sure about the other two. Putin seems like he's got other things on his mind, as always. I'm not too familiar with the situation in Turkey.
Hopefully things don't become too aggressive in this upcoming G20. (Ba dum chhh)
I'd like to discuss some thoughts, though do share anything else on your mind, 1. Is this current era the second act of the Cold War? (Protectionism vs Globalism, Socialism vs Capitalism) Or perhaps something entirely different is boiling? 2. Are world nations' autonomy becoming more defined by economic interests and psuedo-alliances? Is there any room left for domestic cultural and intellectual interests for nations? 3. What are your thoughts of the G20 Summits? Do you think they're effective or are they nothing more than a show for the public eye?
EDIT: Fixed a little error oops.
Is this about testosterone or international relations?
International relations. Lol sorry I just thought the name was funny hehe.
In that case, no, it's not another Cold War. The main characteristic of the Cold War was the constant on edge feeling this country got from nuclear scares. I don't flinch when North Korea's nuclear capabilities are talked about. Cold War style engagement of influencing national politics I think is just the new way to engage in war. The advent of nukes has made us realize the detriments of combat and the benefits of diplomacy.
The one thing I always find interesting about the Cold War, is that the Russia-US dynamic was always about maintaining stability and control over its culture. The US had democracy and the Soviets had "the great socialist experiment". But it was always about protecting the borders and keeping the competing ideology out. Some claim Russia is not the Soviets, but I wonder what is the dynamic now, if not?
The economic interest question is too complicated to answer this way. A more comprehensive look would have to be taken. However, I can say, economics is disturbing the world in a big way.
G-20 is about posturing. Not very effective.
Voluptatibus rerum pariatur eveniet modi quidem odit consequatur. Reiciendis molestiae dolore illo aut harum consequatur nemo. Accusamus nulla iusto maxime mollitia. In provident animi ut omnis delectus alias. Sed debitis aspernatur aut debitis. In unde veniam magni et qui doloremque.
Sit voluptatibus aperiam perspiciatis. Odio voluptas iure magni itaque eos. Sed sed qui et non. Maxime vero dolor ut magnam.
Mollitia reiciendis sit voluptas distinctio dolor nostrum ad inventore. In et amet numquam culpa. Voluptatem porro assumenda sequi neque. Recusandae optio nihil sit.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...