Ebook: Britain, Germany, and the Rise of Competitive Virtue Signaling

In 2016, British and German officials were clear: they wanted quickly
to put Brexit behind them and cooperate on big ticket items like
the international rule of law. Now, in 2022, the pair in fact seem to
be competing more than they cooperate. Germany wants to shine
in comparison with Britain, and the UK sees advantages for its own
standing if Germany falls short. This “competitive virtue signaling”
defines Germany and the UK’s post-Brexit rivalry, and – oddly – might
lead to tighter relations.