The Italians and Germans have a complicated history, going back to the days of the Roman Empire. During the last two centuries, their respective experiences have been more similar than different: a belated unification in the latter part of the 19th Century; war; fascism; defeat in World War II; and EU membership. That notwithstanding, the condition of the two countries today is very different; the German economy is roaring forward, while Italy suffers from slow growth and chronic deficits. The question for the day, then, is why?
The easy and simple answer to the question is that one country is populated by Germans, and the other by Italians. That, however, is just a way of rephrasing the question: why are these nations the way they are?
I think there are two related reasons, both connected to national complacency. If you’re an Italian, you’re blessed with good weather, good food, a beautiful countryside, great art, and a glorious history; it’s consequently easy to enjoy the dolce vita and leave the grim pursuit of material goods to others. The Germans either don’t have those advantages or have them at a much lower plane, and their country suffered far more damage during World War II, so they have more incentive to throw their energy into building wealth.