ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the discussion of an evolving national confidence among the German public and political class, in particular vis-a-vis their European neighbours. There has been a distinct rise in dissatisfaction towards being in a European Union that perpetuates historical constraints on the Germans while expecting them to finance the enterprise. The leitmotiv of post-war German politics has been die ensuring of social and economic stability. As a 'restructuring'' or 'rebuilding' of the welfare state was debated, change to the mentality it entrenched was agreed as necessary by a broad cross-section of the polity. Germany contains the highest number of imported or 'alien' workers and has the lowest rate of granting citizenship among larger European states. The critical factors are 'German ideology and interests'. In the European context German-style corporatism contrasted with Britain and delivered much broader economic success.
