Germany's Leadership In Europe

Germany is a special nation.As the one that provoked the two world wars,it used to be immersed in the fanatical nationalism;while after WWII it turned to “Culture of Restraint ” and pursued further normalization through improving European integration.It is believed that Germany seems never a status quo nation;it has always sought to break the balance of power.After WWII,based on the thorough self-reflection on its controversial history,Germany remained moderate and restrained in its domestic development as well as conducted “diplomacy of reconciliation” with neighboring countries in order to change its image as an aggressive and powerful nation.It also actively promoted the European integration as a platform for both developing itself and regaining its influence.As its economic and political power grows,Germany is increasingly engaged and shares larger responsibility in European and international affairs and enhance its political influence and leadership in Europe.This paper discusses the Germany‘s leadership in Europe,especially the historical evolution of German diplomacy after WWII from "self restraint" to "positive and promising" and analyse Germany's influence in Europe and ability to shape the world order.