Example research essay topic: Domestic Demand International Relations - 1,025 words

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German Politics The issue of resent developments in Germany seems to be very controversial as to the notion that German politics are more consensual than politics elsewhere. It is difficult to give a solid answer to this question. In this research we will try to examine the facts that go along German economic and political development in order to come closer to the point where it will be possible to justify any of the two possible standpoints. Germany was integrated into the Western hemisphere and particularly in the successful West European group of states, while it became one of the influential forces in this process not only to achieve some of its sovereignty and to proof its future reliability.

Moreover, Germany's role in Europe and in the world, especially after its reunification, changed significantly. But Germany still has to cope with its History. This became particularly apparent when the German Parliament had to decide whether or not to engage actively in the Nato's Kosovo campaign. Nonetheless, German foreign policy witnessed in the recent years and due to recent developments in international affairs a visible emancipation from its former historically determinate restriction. External pressure and growing internal confidence in own abilities and unknown potentials led to an engagement in European as well as in Not-European diplomatic or even military activities. To understand how and why Germany changed its foreign policy from a rather passive one to a policy of intervention and active politics it is worth looking at the time around and after the reunification. (Goozman) The exceptional role of Germany in the West European state system became apparent regarding its relations to the Soviet Union and its successor Russia.

It is inevitably a favorable situation today for both countries that the current Russian President Putin did not only spent some of his former intelligence career in Germany, but also speaks fluently the German language. This results in a special relationship, which is emphasized during regularly meetings of the heads of both governments. Though Russia perceives today its own position in comparison to the (economic) role of Germany from a subordinated perspective, this relation had been the contrary case in 1989 / 1990. Consequently after the unification of Germany many positive effects triggered out there. Further on we will examine what current developments have particular interest to us as we try to examine the notion that German politics are more consensual than politics elsewhere. Output came close to stagnating in 2002.

While fixed investment fell further and private consumption contracted, this was counterbalanced by continuing, albeit weak, export growth. With domestic demand having firmed somewhat at the turn of the year, the trough of the downswing might have been reached. But the economy seems likely to grow very slowly through 2003, as consumption and investment remain subdued and a significant pickup in exports is unlikely before 2004. Unemployment is set to remain high.

As the upswing broadens in 2004, GDP growth is projected to pick up to around 13 / 4 per cent, slightly above potential. (Finly) The general government deficit totaled 3. 6 per cent of GDP in 2002 and - based on current legislation - will remain above three per cent in 2003. Coherent expenditure reforms are required to reduce the structural deficit and raise the growth path of the economy. Furthermore, the slowing of the economic expansion reinforces the need for fundamental reform to make labor markets more flexible and improve incentives for work. The government has announced important measures designed to tackle these issues, and these should be implemented as soon as possible. (Finly) The German economy barely grew in 2002, reflecting the weakness in domestic demand. Private consumption contracted and investment in machinery and equipment and construction remained deeply in recession for the year as a whole. Exports grew only moderately but, with imports falling, the rise in net exports roughly offset the fall in domestic demand.

Domestic demand firmed somewhat towards the end of the year, and de-stocking appears to have slowed, suggesting that the trough of the downswing might have been reached. Forward-looking indicators also suggest that the business cycle might have reached its bottom, but activity is likely to remain weak over the months to come. Business confidence remains at low levels reflecting a high degree of uncertainty over economic developments. Unsettled expectations about fiscal consolidation measures are adding to uncertainty. Domestic orders have stabilized but export orders are still volatile. Consumer sentiment remains depressed at levels last seen more than five years ago, reflecting rising unemployment and the adverse income effects associated with hikes in indirect taxes and a sizeable increase in fuel prices. (Goozman) Nevertheless Germany is still trying to maintain its current status in international relations with being at all the round tables concerning the war against Iraq and other topics concerning international stabilization and peace.

So, to some extent there is definitely room for lots of improvement in Germany, especially in the Bundeswehr because strong armed forces are absolutely crucial if a country wants to gain importance on the world stage. With German soldiers still firing guns with which their grandfather has fought in the war this is no good sign to the outside world. However, more visible and for the individual citizen of more importance shall further be regarded the immediate development in Europe. Accordingly, Germany will hold the pace in the European integration process. Consequently it is possible to say that German politics are not really more consensual than politics elsewhere. The political situation in the country is pretty stable and the economy is not experiencing decline thus German people have not much to blame their government for.

Thus within the conceptual frameworks it is quite obvious that German politics do their job well although not perfect, which still does not make it inconvenient. Bibliography: J. Goozman, The Controversy Behind Resent German Political Decisions, from The Economist Magazine, issue November 2002. W. Finly, Developments in Individual OECD Countries: Germany. From Wired Magazine, issue October 2003.

J. Stars, International Relations: Perspectives and Themes, Longman, 2001. T. Mc Craw, Creating Modern Capitalism, Harvard Press, 2000. C. Menschen, Grosse Staten und kleine Left, Baden-Baden, 1999.

Research essay sample on Domestic Demand International Relations