> Being part of an entire continent and a monetary union, instead of tiny isolated island definitely works in favor of Germany. Controling said continent and e

> Being part of an entire continent and a monetary union, instead of tiny isolated island definitely works in favor of Germany. Controling said continent and ensuring policy is tilted in your favour tends to help. Bonus points if your resources are supplied by dictatorial regimes that start wars with or threaten your neighbours keeping them docile.