The words may be different but Angela Merkel's words above, even if draped in trans-European clothing are not much different from that of the 'übermensch' propaganda of a superior people whose historical mission was to lead Europe to a new Utopia.

One interesting aspect of the present Euro crisis is that the currency was supposed to rein in not unleash German power, and for this we have to blame the French. A look at the history books will show that it was French President Francois Mitterand who insisted on the disappearance of the Deutschmark and its replacement with a single European currency in which everyone would be equal.

Well, not really – because this would be a Europe in which the Germans provided the economic firepower and the French the political leadership. Everyone else would have to fall in behind the two leaders.

I doubt the French can now restrain Germany, and, if not they, then who?

Not the British, certainly. Both France and Germany have always been suspicious of Britain's European credentials, heightened when London stayed out of the Euro zone (wisely, as it has turned out). Britain is now a lightweight with too many domestic problems to cope with and little cash to stand up to German economic might.

Italy? Not a chance; it is now embroiled in the debt crisis and needs a long time to rebuild under new leadership. Beyond that, there isn't a single country in Europe that has the political or economic muscle to match Germany.

These are, indeed, dangerous times for a weakened Europe spell disaster for the world economy. There has been talk of China stepping in to help ease the debt crisis, but I wonder if China would really want to get embroiled in this veritable vipers nest?

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/geoffreymurray.htm

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