"In the second half of the twentieth century, Germany became the dominant political and economic power in Europe - and in the EU. Yet Germany's leadership of the EU is geared principally to the defence of German national interests. Germany exercises power in order to protect the German economy and to enable it to play an influential role in the wider world. Beyond that there is no underlying vision or purpose. In this book, former British ambassador to Germany Paul Lever provides a unique insight into modern Germany. He shows how Germany's history has influenced its current economic and social development and provides important perspectives on Germany's future political and cultural growth, especially in the context of the 2015 refugee crisis which saw over 1 million refugees offered a home in Germany. As Britain prepares to leave the European Union, this book will be essential reading and suggests the future shape of a Germany-dominated Europe."--Front cover.