Risen from Ruins: Germany’s Political Revival, 1945-2020

Seventy-five years ago, the idea of Germany leading Europe was unthinkable.

Morally and economically bankrupt, the country lay in ruins. But even as it was divided into the communist East and capitalist West, Germany rebuilt its industry and an economic miracle occurred. When the wall between them fell, the country became a unique social democracy and an economic powerhouse.

Today, Germany may be the acknowledged leader of Europe, but it has its own problems to contend with. With the stalwart Angela Merkel set to step down and an emboldened ultra-right gaining ever more influence, the future remains unknown.

Peter Conradi is foreign editor of the Sunday Times. He studied at Oxford University and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and has been based in Brussels, Zurich and Moscow in his role as foreign correspondent for the Sunday Times. His previous books include Who Lost Russia, Hitler’s Piano Player and The King’s Speech, co-authored with Mark Logue, which inspired the Oscar-winning film. He speaks fluent German, French, Italian and Russian.