Why the Germans Do It Better

John Kampfner’s book is both an admiring and critical look at modern Germany, offering insight into how the country rebuilt itself into a stable, socially cohesive democracy. Kampfner explores Germany’s political culture, its approach to governance, and its capacity for collective responsibility. His analysis is nuanced, balancing Germany’s strengths with its blind spots, including challenges around migration, identity, and memory. The book is engaging and informative, using comparative analysis to reflect on the weaknesses of Anglo-American political systems. Kampfner ultimately makes a compelling case for why Germany’s model of adult politics has something to teach the world.