Kaput

The End of the German Miracle

By: Wolfgang Münchau

Narrated by: Mark Elstob

Until recently, Germany appeared to be a paragon of economic and political success. Angela Merkel was widely seen as the true 'leader of the free world', and Germany's export-driven economic model seemed to deliver prosperity. But recent events—from Germany's dependence on Russian gas to its car industry's delays in the race to electric—have undermined this view.

In Kaput, Wolfgang Münchau argues that the weaknesses of Germany's economy have, in fact, been brewing for decades. The neo-mercantilist policies of the German state, driven by close connections between the country's industrial and political elite, have left Germany technologically behind over-reliant on authoritarian Russia and China—and with little sign of being able to adapt to the digital realities of the 21st century. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of Europe's biggest economy.

©2024 Wolfgang Münchau (P)2024 Swift Press Audio

Good story spoiled by audio voice

Didn’t like the Audio readers voice And I have to write 15 words to say that

to the point

a short, well-written, well explained book. The author is knowledgeable and has clear style without resorting to anecdotes and other literary frills.

Good Book - Cover art ios a litle dumb

The engine in a VW Bug is in he back, not the front. The smoke is coming out the wrong end of the car

Eye opening

A deep dive into the soul of the German economy. Missing the demographic issue as a significant factor.

Mostly a collection of newspaper opinion pieces.

Interesting and will learn something from it. Very critical and sarcastic about just about all leaders and policies past and present though offers few solutions other than “digitizing” and debt spending. Narrator has a very sarcastic tone.