Leader, co-leader, and steering group member all at once: Germany's role ambivalence in light of its master role as advocate of the European project

This study examines how Germany's master role as an advocate of the European project shapes its choice of rank-related roles within the European Union (EU). More specifically, it contends that Germany's rank-related roles display ambivalence, as leadership, co-leadership, and steering group membership all form part of its role set, and that this ambivalence stems from the need to enact its master role. In order to highlight this linkage between Germany's master role and the ambivalence in its rank-related roles, the study undertakes a comprehensive textual analysis of German leaders’ speeches throughout the Merkel era, between the years 2005 and 2021. In light of the results of this analysis, it is underlined that there was no unique perception among the decision-makers regarding the most appropriate option for the fulfillment of the master role's requirements. Depending on the time and issue area, Germany's preference among leadership, co-leadership, and steering group membership varied, while these constant movements from one role option to another originated from its master role, hence its inclination to protect and develop the European project.