The main aim of this paper is to analyze the aims of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in conducting the Treaty of Moscow as the core of "Ostpolitik" and assess the role of the pursuit of German reunification behind increased cooperation of the FRG with the USSR. In order to answer these questions, I will focus on the main aims desired by concluding the Soviet-German treaty and the origins of Ostpolitik.
The paper will be divided into three main parts. Firstly, I will give a brief introduction on the "Neue Ostpolitk" under Brandt and construe the Treaty of Moscow as core agreement of this policy, as it was the first official agreement, which adhered to the will of improved relations with the USSR. In the second part I will further examine the underlying vision of Willy Brandt in pursuing Ostpolitik and how he presented this vision. In 1971, Brandt was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize for his attempt to reconcile tensions between East and West.
With regard to this accomplishment, I will analyze and interpret a speech held by the chancellor on the occasion of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize to disclose on how Brandt used the narrative of European stability to promote his pursuit of German reunification. Ultimately, I will coalesce my findings and try to answer whether the treaty, as core agreement of Ostpolitik, can be seen as just an atmospheric success , a materialization of nationalist aims or as decisive step in the process of reconciling tensions within Europe and advancing détente in Europe.
Table of Contents
Introduction
New Ostpolitk under Willy Brandt
The Treaty of Moscow
Willy Brandt’s Liberal Peace Concept
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the motivations behind the Federal Republic of Germany's Ostpolitik, specifically analyzing the role of German reunification in the context of the 1970 Treaty of Moscow and Willy Brandt's broader diplomatic vision.
- The historical context and strategic shift of Ostpolitik under Willy Brandt.
- The significance and controversy of the Treaty of Moscow as a foundation for détente.
- Willy Brandt’s liberal peace concept and the narrative of European stability.
- The complex interplay between diplomatic cooperation with the USSR and the long-term goal of German unity.
Excerpt from the Book
The Treaty of Moscow
Nothing is lost with this treaty that was not gambled away long ago. With these words Chancellor Brandt announced the signing of the Treaty of Moscow on August 12th 1970 in a televised address to the people of the Federal Republic of Germany, addressing contemporary criticism of the treaty. The agreement declared the will to normalize relations between the two parties through respecting the territorial integrity of European states, affirming to settle disputes peacefully and refraining from the threat or use of violence in conflicts.
The recognition of post-war frontiers was particularly controversial in Germany, as it officially mentioned the existence of two states and was therefore castigated as going against the principle of German national interest: reunification. Especially from the ranks of the German conservative opposition, the treaty was castigated as selling out Germany’s most deeply held national interests without getting anything in return. The treaty was a milestone in the Cold War, in the sense that for the first time, the FRG formally recognized the two states of Germany and the post-war border of the Oder-Neisse as eastern boundary. These factors seemed to put a seal on the division and were, seemingly, a setback in the aspirations to the unification of Germany. However, it is important to remember that these inviolable frontiers were only acknowledged and not legally recognized through the treaty. The ratification of the treaty was still to be awaited, as its enactment was to be connected to the outcome of the Four-Powers Agreement on the status of Berlin, which would be held in 1972.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the Treaty of Moscow and the shift in West German foreign policy from the Hallstein Doctrine to a strategy of détente.
New Ostpolitk under Willy Brandt: Explains the origins of the policy and the ambition to reconcile with the Eastern Bloc despite concerns regarding the German question.
The Treaty of Moscow: Analyzes the specific motivations and controversies surrounding the 1970 agreement between the FRG and the USSR.
Willy Brandt’s Liberal Peace Concept: Interprets Brandt's Nobel Prize speech to understand his underlying philosophy of European peace and secret pursuit of reunification.
Conclusion: Synthesizes how Ostpolitik functioned as a long-term strategy for German unity through European integration rather than immediate reunification.
Keywords
Ostpolitik, Willy Brandt, Treaty of Moscow, German reunification, Cold War, Détente, FRG, USSR, Hallstein Doctrine, European stability, Diplomacy, Foreign policy, Nobel Peace Prize, Four-Powers Agreement, Oder-Neisse line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this academic paper?
The paper focuses on analyzing the objectives of the Federal Republic of Germany regarding the Treaty of Moscow and evaluating how the pursuit of German reunification influenced the country's increased cooperation with the Soviet Union.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The core themes include the transformation of German foreign policy under Willy Brandt, the role of détente in Europe, the controversy surrounding post-war border recognition, and the strategic use of diplomacy to promote German unity.
What is the main research question of this study?
The research question asks what role the pursuit of German reunification played in the drafting of the Treaty of Moscow and the wider development of the policy of Ostpolitik.
Which scientific methods are applied in this work?
The paper utilizes a qualitative historical analysis, interpreting primary sources such as Chancellor Brandt's speeches and the Treaty of Moscow, as well as engaging with historical literature to evaluate different academic perspectives on Ostpolitik.
What content is covered in the main body?
The main body covers the transition of the FRG's external policy, the controversial signing of the Treaty of Moscow, and a detailed analysis of Brandt's liberal peace philosophy as articulated in his 1971 Nobel Prize speech.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include Ostpolitik, German reunification, Cold War, Détente, and the Treaty of Moscow, which reflect the political and historical scope of the study.
Why was the Treaty of Moscow considered controversial?
It was controversial because it officially recognized the existence of two German states and the Oder-Neisse border, which critics viewed as a betrayal of the goal of German national reunification.
How did Brandt reconcile cooperation with the USSR and the goal of reunification?
Brandt shifted the strategy to prioritize European stability and cooperation, hoping that long-term trust and relaxation of tensions would eventually create the necessary conditions for German reunification.
- Citation du texte
- Alexandra Kovalcikova (Auteur), 2019, What role did the pursuit of German reunification play in the drafting of the Treaty of Moscow? The policy of Ostpolitik, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/503653
