The author, returning from a UNESCO‑sponsored program in Salzburg and Munich, said the upcoming two‑week cultural diplomacy visit to Berlin coincides with the 36th anniversary of German reunification.
Key takeaways
- Personal journey: Early fascination with Germany’s military power gave way to appreciation of its cultural and scientific contributions.
- Lesson on institutions: The writer argues that knowledge and organization alone cannot prevent authoritarianism without safeguards for dissent and accountability.
- Reconstruction focus: Post‑war rebuilding is described as involving not only factories and cities but also trust, rules and institutions that limit power.
- Reunification challenge: The anniversary highlights the ongoing task of forging a shared life for citizens who lived under different systems for decades.
- Engagement with Germany: Over the years the author has interacted with German academia, politics and civil society, forming both fleeting and lasting relationships.
From admiration to critical reflection
The writer recalled childhood readings of World War II that portrayed German military efficiency as a sign of merit. Later exposure to Germany’s achievements in philosophy, music and science revealed that such strengths did not stop the rise of Nazism or its support among parts of the population.