In movies like Bad Banks (a critically acclaimed financial thriller series), once deals are struck, the narrative focuses on the execution and consequences, not on constant renegotiation or status updates. This mirrors the German business culture of trusting that agreements will be honored.
firm vs. flexible
Zuckerberg
The Social Network (2010). Chronicling the creation of Facebook, this film shows Mark Zuckerberg’s shifting relationships and agreements with co-founders and early partners. The story is marked by frequent renegotiation, legal disputes, and Zuckerberg’s readiness to change or exit agreements as the business evolves, reflecting the American logic of flexibility and ongoing negotiation.
get a dog
Wall Street (1987). The film’s protagonist, Bud Fox, and corporate raider Gordon Gekko engage in a series of business deals where alliances are fluid, context is kept minimal, and loyalty is secondary to opportunity. The famous line, “If you need a friend, get a dog,” underscores the transactional, exit-ready mindset prevalent in American business culture.
close or walk away
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992). Set in a high-pressure sales office, this movie depicts real estate agents in constant contact with clients and each other, always ready to close or walk away from deals. The focus is on results, not relationships or context, and the right to exit is exercised ruthlessly.
transactional and ruthless
There Will Be Blood (2007). Daniel Plainview’s business dealings are transactional and ruthless. He enters agreements with landowners and partners, only to break or manipulate them for personal gain. The film critiques the destructive consequences of this approach, both for individuals and communities.
Military Aid to Ukraine
Modern German Political Decision-Making (e.g. Military Aid to Ukraine): Recent decisions, such as sending military aid to Ukraine or providing German-made tanks, have been characterized by lengthy internal debate and demands for contextual clarity. Germany’s government typically seeks broad consensus among coalition partners and ministries, and only acts after extensive information gathering and negotiation. Allies often note Germany’s hesitancy, but when a decision is finally made, it is highly committed and rarely reversed.
Peace of Augsburg
The Peace of Augsburg (1555): This treaty ended religious conflict within the Holy Roman Empire by allowing rulers to choose their territory’s religion. The agreement was reached only after protracted negotiations and careful consideration of the political and religious context. The resulting yes was highly binding and respected, reflecting the German preference for thorough context before agreement.
“Ein Mann, ein Wort”
Ein Mann, ein Wort. Literally, a man, a word. If you promise something, you have to keep it. This saying stands for reliability and consistency. A word is considered just as binding as a written contract.
Paris Peace Accords (1973)
Henry Kissinger orchestrated negotiations to end the Vietnam War, securing the Paris Peace Accords and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. His approach was rooted in Realpolitik, leveraging strategic interests to achieve complex diplomatic goals.
walk away
“We can always walk away.” This direct statement illustrates the American logic that participation in an agreement is voluntary and can be ended if it no longer serves one’s interests.