Merkelism and the Fine Art of Flat Politics

MPIfG & Alumni Online Book Discussions aim to promote intellectual exchange and networking between alumni and current researchers at the Institute. Martin Heipertz' book uses the early stage of the euro crisis as a case study, dissecting Angela Merkel’s incremental crisis-management, her tactical strengths, and her reliance on media-driven decision-making. It sheds light on how Maastricht Treaty principles were overridden by bailouts and ECB interventions. Drawing from a decade of firsthand experience, the narrative blends scholarly insights into leadership and incrementalism with a vivid insider’s perspective, offering a unique window into this pivotal moment in European integration.

The German version of the book was written during the author's stay as a visiting scholar at the MPIfG.