The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel

What role have human rights concerns played in Merkel’s approach to international affairs? How does The Chancellor examine both the strengths and limitations of Merkel’s humanitarian commitments?

Analyze the successes and limitations of the partnership between Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron. How does Marton characterize the two leaders? How are they different or similar?

Discuss the role of Helmut Kohl as both a mentor and a political predecessor to Merkel. How did Kohl’s political achievements influence Merkel’s leadership style and policies? How did she diverge from his influence in her career?

Analyze how Marton explores the contrasts between Merkel’s public and private lives. How has Merkel navigated being in the public eye? In what ways, if any, has her gender shaped how people regard her private and public roles?

Discuss Angela Merkel’s legacy in terms of European unity and integration. How did her policies and diplomatic efforts shape the European Union’s response to economic and political challenges? What have been the long-term effects of her leadership upon the EU’s cohesion and stability?

Examine Merkel’s role in mediating the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. How does Marton depict these episodes when discussing Merkel’s political career? How does this crisis illustrate some of the text’s key themes and ideas?

Marton analyzes the various facets of Merkel’s leadership style. How does Marton characterize Merkel’s approach to leadership and power? What are the strengths and weaknesses of her leadership?

Discuss how Merkel’s strategy in light of the Fukushima disaster impacted her climate policies. What were the advantages and disadvantages of her approach to nuclear energy and environmentalism?