Since the outcome of the German Election, clouds of uncertainty continue hovering over the country. Until a coalition is formed, Europe's economic powerhouse will remain distracted from important global issues by its own internal political ambiguity.
What is crystal clear, though, is that the next chancellor will have big shoes to fill, following Angela Merkel who, during her 16 years in office, became one of the defining figures of global politics.
So, in this week's special program, we examine the aftermath of the election and ask what a new administration will mean for Germany's place on the world stage.
Joining Stephen Cole is Thomas Kielinger, one-time London Correspondent for the newspaper Die Welt and now author, who explains why a tripartite coalition will cause "major problems" and likely diminish Germany's standing in the world.
Dr Ursula Münch, Professor of Political Science at the University of Munich tells Stephen Cole that Germany's position inside the European Union is not dependent on the person who is governing, adding that the election has presented an opportunity for change towards a "totally different German society."
Also contributing to the conversation is Matt Qvortrup, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Coventry University and author of Angela Merkel: Europe's Most Influential Leader. Qvortrup explains why a lack of expertise helped contribute to Merkel's success, saying she will be remembered as "the symbol of stability and liberal democracy."