Icon: enlarge
Photo: Faber-Castell
There is a lot of talk about globalization these days, but now often with a prefix: de-globalization.
The global interdependence of the economy has passed its peak, it is said, some speak and even write about the end of globalization.
Indeed, there is plenty of evidence to support this thesis: the struggle for economic supremacy between China and the US will curb world trade, protectionism and protective tariffs are on the rise, and the coronavirus has brutally shown how vulnerable a globally intertwined economy is.
For Germany and its family businesses that have so far been so successful, these are bad prospects.
The German economy was the big winner of globalization; the nation's prosperity is largely based on the success of the export industry.
Nowhere else are there so many "hidden champions", companies that are among the top three in the world in their respective markets.
SPIEGEL STORY 4/2020 Right arrow
Dynasties of the German economy: their rise, their wealth, their scandals
contents
Order online now and the booklet will be sent to your home!
Order from Amazon
Find it at MyKiosk
SPIEGEL HISTORY by subscription arrow to the right
And not just since today.
German companies have always sought success beyond national borders: the German market was too small, and anyone who wanted to become really big had to go out into the world.
In order to be successful there, innovative products and high quality were required.
"Made in Germany", initially printed as a warning in England in 1887, became a seal of quality.
Small family businesses became global companies: "global players", as they say today.
Read more with Spiegel Plus
More perspectives, more understanding.
Your advantages with SPIEGEL +
Icon: Check
DER SPIEGEL as a magazine
as an app, e-paper and on the e-reader
Icon: Check
All articles on SPIEGEL.de
Exclusive texts for SPIEGEL + readers
Icon: Check
Try one month for free
Cancel anytime online
A price
only € 19.99 per month
One month for € 0.00
Try now for 0.00 € Buy nowArrow to the right
Already have a digital subscription? Register here
Restore iTunes subscription
SPIEGEL + is processed via your iTunes account and paid for with a purchase confirmation.
24 hours before it expires, the subscription is automatically renewed by one month at the current price of € 19.99.
You can cancel the subscription at any time in the settings of your iTunes account.
In order to use SPIEGEL + outside of this app, you have to link the subscription to a SPIEGEL ID account immediately after purchase.
With the purchase you accept our general terms and conditions and privacy policy.