To some, this is all about German idealism. Post-WWII West Germany and particularly post-Cold War reunified Germany has developed as a moral state, which sets for itself very high standards and which expects its partners to live up to similar standards when dealing with Germany. Since Germany has long stopped being a traditional great power, and had to renounce many of its trappings, this creates a serious gap between Berlin and some of its allies, including Washington, London, and Paris.

Yet, the fact that the German protestations become ever louder and ever angrier may point also to something else. Germany is rediscovering its dignity. Just thirty years ago, the phrase "German national interest" was taboo. Just fifteen years ago, an open disagreement on a major international issue between Germany and the United States was unthinkable. Just five years ago, Germany abstaining at the UN Security Council alongside Russia and China was hard to imagine. Things keep changing, and the old relationships like the Franco-German tandem or the Russo-German partnership are being recast.

Eventually, this will also be true of the U.S.-German alliance. Spying scandals accelerate the process somewhat, and give it a public spin, but they do not drive it. Slowly, Germany is emerging as the sole leader of the EU, and as a major power in Eurasia, alongside China and Russia. One result of this will be providing a sense of "normalcy" to Berlin's formerly special relationships, which used to extend privileges to its allies. The United States will be no exception.