Germany after Merkel

Today in The Conversation Canada, we look across the Atlantic at the state of affairs in Germany. Two Canadian academics give us their insight into the recent announcement by German Chancellor Angela Merkel that she plans to step down as leader of the governing party and, eventually, as chancellor.

James Skidmore of the Centre for German Studies at the University of Waterloo explains how the changing political climate in Germany has led to Merkel’s downfall, while Petra Rethmann of the Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition at McMaster University looks at the influence of Germany’s Russian community and how fake news and statements of support from Moscow have hurt Merkel.

As we grow more dependent on technology, we are also more vulnerable to security concerns. Paulo Garcia of Carleton University looks at the security issues with our hardware – phones, computers and even your electronic doorbell.

Was the recent announcement of the liquified natural gas project in northern British Columbia a good thing for the environment? Arvind Ravikumar of Harrisburg University offers a non-Canadian perspective and says the answer depends on how much Ottawa chooses to regulate the industry.

And finally…275,000 women and girls in Canada will have the eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa at some point in their lives. Simon Sherry of Dalhousie University writes about his new research on the connection between bulimia and the personality trait of perfectionism.

Regards,

Scott White

Editor

Today's Featured Articles

In this February 2016 photo, people wave German flags in Erfurt, central Germany, during a demonstration initiated by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer, file)

How Russians have helped fuel the rise of Germany’s far right

Petra Rethmann, McMaster University

The political power of Germany's Russian community is significant, and it's helped fuel the rise of the right-wing, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party known as the AfD.

In this combo photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel leads the weekly cabinet meeting of her government at the chancellery in Berlin. Merkel has been at the helm of the German government since 2005 but she has announced she won’t run for the party’s leadership again. (AP Photos/Markus Schreiber, file)

What’s next for Germany after Angela Merkel

James M. Skidmore, University of Waterloo

Germany's long-time Angela Merkel era is coming to an end. But is it the end of one person’s dominance of the political scene, or does it forebode more fundamental changes to German society?

Circuit Board. Photo by Alexandre Debiève on Unsplash

Don’t trust your hardware: Why security vulnerabilities affect us all

Paulo Garcia, Carleton University

Circuit board by Alexandre Debiève

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shakes hands with B.C. Premier John Horgan at a news conference where LNG Canada announced its decision to build an export facility in Kitimat, B.C. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

How to make the liquified natural gas industry more sustainable

Arvind P. Ravikumar, Harrisburg University

Burning natural gas produces less greenhouse gases than coal or oil. But the methane emissions associated with natural gas production and liquefaction threaten to erode its environmental benefits.

Perfectionists are rarely satisfied with their performance or appearance and engage in harsh self-criticism when their efforts fall short. Perfectionists are also more likely to develop the eating disorder bulimia nervosa, according to new research. (Shutterstock)

Perfectionists more likely to develop bulimia: New research

Simon B. Sherry, Dalhousie University

Perfectionists have a higher chance of developing bulimia nervosa. Rather than treating symptoms of binge eating and vomiting, therapists should address this underlying personality trait.

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