Here is (another) tangible proof that government leaders influence their nation brand
Daesh militants shot innocent people at restaurants and concert halls. Millions of Greeks rebelled against the austerity measures, pushing the European economy down a slippery slope. Russian bombs fell from the sky on civilians in Syria. Sinking boats and crammed trains carried over a million refugees from a war zone to a continent uncertain of what to do with them. Amidst the chaos, there she was. She stood there with a stiff upper lip, calm and composed as she guided the ship that is the European Union through an unwavering storm. You can either admire her or criticize her, but you cannot deny it. Angela Merkel is the modern-day symbol of strong leadership.
Germany has always had the potential to lead. Their strong economy and free education have given millions an opportunity to develop their leadership skills, one way or another. Yet it took a person like Merkel to boost Germany’s potential, making it the de facto leader of Europe. Under her firm yet calm hand, Germany not only established itself as the head of the old continent but also an important player on the world stage.
This is evident in the digital world as well. In the 2016 Digital Country Index, it was Germany that won an award for Leadership!
This award incorporates public diplomacy, political leaders, and political stability. Germany had outstanding results in all of these categories and was one of the most prominent digital countries.
In 2015, Germany attracted 12% more positive online searches regarding its political stability than UK, Italy, and France combined. In fact, it even surpassed United States by as much as 21%.
Credit for this digital brilliance goes to none other than our Angela, or Mutti (Mom), as Germans like to call her. She is the main attraction German digital citizens from all around the world are most interested in by far. In the Political Leaders within the Digital Country Index category, Germany is the 4th most searched for country in the world, falling short of a medal by a narrow margin. It is Merkel’s ambitious moral guidance, her can-do attitude, and assertive but not aggressive demeanor that fascinates many. Notably in 2015, her 10th year at the helm of Europe’s largest economy, her response to turbulent events counted for something, whether people agreed or not.
Granted, no leadership position comes without obstacles. In light of the upcoming British referendum, it could be argued that Mrs. Merkel is losing some of the influence over a divided union. However, given the circumstances that arose, she did well and there is no denying that she is the world’s most powerful woman. Depending on how the U.S. presidential election turns out, it will be interesting to see if Bundeskanzlerin is going to remain the embodiment of female power in the world.
