The Return of the Entente Cordial?

For centuries there has been a competition between the Great Powers of Europe to try and be the dominant continental force.

Despite being an island nation, England was an active player during the periods when large swathes of France belonged to the English crown. But generally England played the role of the spoiler, weighing in when it appeared that one of the continentals was becoming strong enough to exercise hegemony.

That is not to say that it was only the English who meddled. The French were quite happy to get involved whenever they could at the expense of the others, even if it meant snapping at the borders of colonial interests. The Prussians weren't beyond requesting interference when it was in their interest, and the Russians were always loitering with intent, caught between fearing or wanting to join the "West".

But recently Prussia, or more politically correct Germany has been flexing its economic muscles in the aftermath of the financial crisis which has many geopolitical observers suggesting that the Germans are either entering a new stage in their development-or reverting to type.

The new generation of Germans, albeit fully aware of the deeds of their parents, or more often now their grandparents, are no longer so willing to carry the burden of collective guilt, especially with the tendency to view the two World Wars as the 20th century version of the 30 Years War.

Last week Britain and France signed a military agreement sharing nuclear simulation technology, aircraft carriers, and the formation of a joint Rapid-Response Brigade. France is also making overtures to the Russians, to counter the cosying up between the Germans and the Russians.

The recently signed Franco-British deal is being explained in the media as a result of the need for austerity in the UK and in France and there is certainly that aspect to it.

It is in the interest of both parties to push the "fiscal" explanation, for the alternative is to admit that France is a junior partner in the Franco-German marriage and that there are concerns that Germany is becoming the de-facto ruler of Europe.

It's amazing how two World Wars, the Marshall Plan and the creation of the European Union has done so little to quell the fires of European nationalism.