SJS4- "Germany Rethinks Its Role in the World"

Source:
 Kundnani, Hans. "Germany Rethinks Its Role in the World." Current Hustory
    114.770 (2015): 115-17. Print.

Author Credentials:
Hans Kundnani studied philosophy and German at Oxford University along with journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He also spent a year at the Freie Universitat Berlin for undergraduate school. He is currently a Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, based in Berlin and an associate fellow at the Institute for German Studies at Birmingham University. Therefore, his knowledge would be extensive on topics involving Europe and specifically Germany.

Summary:
The president of Germany made a speech in January 2014 regarding how Germany should not use its past as an excuse for laziness in the future. His announcement got much criticism from the German public, but sparked discussion about Germany's stance on foreign policy (specifically regarding Russia and Ukraine). Many believe that Germany was experiencing a "geopolitical awakening". More recently, Germany has been reluctant to use military force but still forceful to other nations of their economic and political standings, making their foreign policy unique from others. The majority of the German public supports Germany's mediation between the West and Russia, while the Chancellor of Germany (Angela Merkel) is resisting the military track that the Baltic States and Poland enforce. Germany remains a geopolitical power, showing a growth of economic interdependence with China. Hesitation to use military forces persists in Germany, though it's newest challenge is dealing with "irresponsible stakeholders".

Analysis:

After reading this article, it was clear that the author had a slight bias towards the German public majority. This was most apparent when he chose to include statistics such as percentages of Germans supporting various foreign policies. Each statistic included showed that the German public supported his proposed economic solution. Although, all of his statements appeared to be based on facts, as he often referred to quotes and speeches for support. I would consider his information to be reliable considering he has extensive knowledge on the topics regarding the geopolitical standpoint of Germany, and with such knowledge comes a well supported opinion and viewpoint.