Merkelism and the Fine Art of Flat Politics

“The language is clear, the style engaging, the rhythm sustained, the narration enlightening, the analysis cogent.”

—Andrea Capussela, London School of Economics, UK

“This book is essential reading for anyone interested in crisis policymaking or the future of European integration.”

—Erik Jones, European University Institute, Italy

“A major contribution to the state of comparative political economy.”

—Fritz W. Scharpf, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Germany

“A fascinating analysis of one of the most important moments in recent European integration – a must read for anyone with an interest in the past, present and future of European integration.”

—Amy Verdun, University of Victoria BC, Canada, and Leiden University, The Netherlands

Has Angela Merkel’s political style harmed Germany and Europe? As Chancellor, she navigated complex circumstances, making decisions – or avoiding them – that were neither inevitable nor always democratic, sometimes bypassing Parliament. Her "muddling through" governance eroded democratic norms rather than promoting freedom.

This book uses the early stage of the euro crisis as a case study, dissecting 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 on leadership and incrementalism with a vivid insider’s perspective, offering a unique window into this pivotal moment in European integration.

Martin Heipertz studied PPE in Oxford and wrote his dissertation at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies in Cologne. He has published numerous academic pieces on the Euro. He served as economist at the ECB, in Kosovo and at the EIB before joining the Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin in 2010, where he was Deputy Head of Office to Wolfgang Schäuble, Personal Advisor to the Finance State Secretary, and Head of the European Policy Division. He witnessed the political decision-making process during the euro crisis firsthand. He also advised Jean-Claude Juncker during the European election campaign and worked extensively on Brexit affairs.