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A model for others to emulate


PHILLIP PJ NORMAN - June 3, 2021 - 0 comments

Part memoir, part history, part travelogue, WHY THE GERMANS DO IT BETTER by John Kampfner is a rich and witty portrait of an eternally fascinating country. It’s out today in paperback with Atlantic Books.

Emerging from a collection of city states 150 years ago, no other country has had as turbulent a history as Germany or enjoyed so much prosperity in such a short time frame. Today, as much of the world succumbs to authoritarianism and democracy is undermined from its heart, Germany stands as a bulwark for decency and stability.

Mixing personal journey and anecdote with compelling empirical evidence, this is a critical and entertaining exploration of the country many in the West still love to hate. Raising important questions for our post-Brexit landscape, Kampfner asks why, despite its faults, Germany has become a model for others to emulate, while Britain fails to tackle contemporary challenges.

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