Czechia or Not, Still in Germany's Shadow

Today, the Czechs find themselves surrounded by familiar challenges. The most serious challenge is Germany. Economically, Germany is bound to stumble over its export dependence soon, and the Czechs’ exposure to the German economy is deep. But Prague cannot depend on Germany politically or for security either. The Czechs already have mixed feelings about the EU, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to open Germany’s borders to refugees has been roundly criticized in the Czech Republic. Germany’s relationship with Russia is complicated; what can be said for certain is that Germany does not want conflict with Russia and even fantasizes about exporting to the Russian market. In short, Germany is the major power in the region and yet Prague cannot rely on Germany and finds itself on the opposing ends of strategic issues.