Under the stewardship of Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europe’s largest economy has already ridden to the zenith of its post-World War II power. But the pending departure of the EU’s second-largest economy — Britain — could thrust an even bigger burden of leadership upon Germany.

Some Europeans remain leery of German power — the very energy the EU was designed as a harness to prevent Berlin’s re-emergence as the continent’s dominant force. But almost as many now worry that Germany will shrink from its leadership role, leaving a rudderless Europe drifting into political and economic limbo.

Germany’s stronger voice is emerging on the back of its massive economy, but also its stability, at a time when a host of nations find themselves mired in myriad crises or focusing inward. Yet no nation is more torn over its rise than Germany itself. Without Britain, a fellow defender of globalization and free trade, some observers are fretting over how and whether Germany will manage to turn the tide in Europe against more protectionist and inward-focused nations such as France and Italy.

And yet, when it comes to leading, the Germans may also have little choice. If Germany is Europe’s “decider,” it is not because it went after that role.