It is remarkable how efficient the German post-World War II education works when even the Parliament’s President Wolfgang Thierse publicly articulates not being able to feel proud of his country’s achievements. Though this testimony occurred only in 2001, it once more makes the fact apparent, that Germany’s historic perception is often reduced to the 12 worst years of Europe’s recent history. Nonetheless, this type of peculiar German discussion reveals the society’s political division, but is “also reaffirming the German effort pursued over five decades through education, public policy and citizen activism, to draw le ssons from the evils of the Third Reich” 1.
Admittedly, it happened in the modern Germany that a malicious regime usurped the most dangerous weapon human mankind ever had created – the modern nation state – and that German population and elites let it happen. To put it in the words of Hagen Schulze: During Hitler’s Third Reich it became evident what the concept of total nationstate is able to do, if it is thought to the absolute end’2. But since these shadowy days many things changed. Germans probably became matured. Under the Cold War pressure the world gained a new shape. Germany was integrated into the Western hemisphere and particularly in the successful West European group of states, while it became one of the influential forces in this process – not only to achieve some of its sovereignty and to proof its future reliability. Moreover, Germany’s role in Europe and in the world – especially after its reunification – changed significantly.
Yet, the rhetoric proclaiming “Never again Auschwitz”3 and the underneath attitude continuingly determines decision-making in spheres of German foreign and security policy. This became particularly apparent when the German Parliament had to decide whether or not to engage actively in the NATO’s Kosovo campaign. Nonetheless, German foreign policy witnessed in the recent years and due to recent developments in international affairs a visible emancipation from its former historically determinate restriction. External pressure and growing internal confidence in own abilities and unknown potentials led to an engagement in European as well as in extra-European diplomatic or even military activities. However, it may be assumed that these commitments are based only on a weak or unsecured foundation in terms of public support, since these obligations did so far not have cope with serious cha llenges.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. German Foreign Policy since 1989
2.1 Re-Unification, Consolidation and European integration
2.2 Emancipation and the Balkan Turmoil
2.3 Growing Self-Confidence and Responsibility
3. Conclusion and Outlook
Target Objectives and Core Themes
This work explores the evolution of German foreign policy following the reunification in 1989/1990, specifically analyzing the country's transition from historical post-war constraints toward an active, responsible role within European and international security frameworks.
- The normalization of German foreign policy post-Cold War.
- Germany's active engagement in international peacekeeping and military operations.
- The influence of European integration on German national interests.
- The shifting public perception and political discourse regarding Germany's role in global affairs.
- The impact of crisis scenarios, such as the Balkan conflicts and the post-9/11 security environment.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Emancipation and the Balkan Turmoil
To touch first a side issue: The German re-unification could have created an unprecedented opportunity to reform an already 1989 fragile social state from the bottom. Instead the West German system had been put on East German structures. Additionally it soon became apparent that the 40-year long division of the two societies would not be repealing the existing ideological and eventually sociologic separation. The discussion of the origins of the diverting identities, however, would be worth further elaboration, but shall not be part of these considerations.
This, however, did not necessarily affect the code of conduct in terms of the German foreign policy yet. Germany’s society could rather witness a cautious approach of the “saturated nation-state” towards an increasingly normalized and internally stabilized pattern in its foreign policy. Yet, this way of emphasizing of normalization of relations reveals the prevailing abnormality of German (foreign) policy while struggling to overcome its own past. Nonetheless, the course of events predominately in the near periphery of Germany – so the social, political and military unrest on the Balkans, but also the further development in the European integration process provoked a partial emancipation of German foreign policy from its historically determined restraints. On the other site, as Pond put it, the EU benefits from its own weakness of being bound to the respective lowest-common-denominator and thus “has repeatedly expanded this practice, treating crisis as opportunity, uncertainty as fluidity, and anxiety about the future in general and German demons in particular as a useful source of energy”.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical context of post-war Germany and the motivation behind the investigation into its evolving foreign policy after 1989.
2. German Foreign Policy since 1989: Examines the various phases of foreign policy evolution, driven by reunification, the Balkans crises, and a newfound sense of responsibility.
2.1 Re-Unification, Consolidation and European integration: Discusses how the collapse of the bi-polar order and the 2+4 Agreement forced Germany to align its foreign policy with Western integration.
2.2 Emancipation and the Balkan Turmoil: Analyzes how the Balkan conflicts served as a catalyst for Germany to shed historical restraints and participate more actively in international security operations.
2.3 Growing Self-Confidence and Responsibility: Details the move of the capital to Berlin and the development of a more confident, post-modern approach to Germany's role within the European Union.
3. Conclusion and Outlook: Synthesizes the findings, noting that the "German question" has been largely resolved through integration, while highlighting current challenges like military reform and fiscal discipline.
Keywords
German Foreign Policy, Reunification, European Integration, NATO, Balkan Turmoil, ESDP, National Interest, Post-War History, Bundeswehr, Sovereignty, Normalization, Security Policy, International Relations, Berlin Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work examines the transformation of German foreign policy from 1989 to the present, focusing on how the nation evolved from a historically constrained state into an active participant in European and global security.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the impact of German reunification, the role of European integration, the challenges posed by the Balkan wars, and the shift in national self-consciousness regarding military and diplomatic engagement.
What is the main research question of the work?
The author investigates how Germany managed the transition from a policy defined by historical guilt and restraint to a proactive foreign policy while navigating the complexities of European and Atlantic alliances.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The study utilizes a historical-analytical approach, reviewing diplomatic developments, political discourse, and academic literature to track the evolution of German foreign policy frameworks.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body details the post-1989 unification period, the specific impact of the Balkans on German military involvement, and the challenges of integrating national interests within the broader European Union structure.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key concepts include the "normalization" of German policy, the role of the "Berlin Republic," European security integration, and the management of national interest within multilateral frameworks.
How did the Balkan crisis specifically influence German foreign policy?
The Balkan conflict acted as a transformative turning point, forcing Germany to confront the limitations of its post-war pacifism and leading to the first significant military engagements since World War II.
How does the author interpret the relationship between German national interest and the European Union?
The author argues that Germany has increasingly embedded its national interests within European and Atlantic frameworks, viewing deep integration not as a loss of sovereignty, but as the primary means to exercise influence and resolve historical concerns.
- Quote paper
- Heiko Bubholz (Author), 2002, New German Foreign Policy - Emancipation form the history or Decision-making in an interdependent world, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/6240
