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.
[...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- German Foreign Policy since 1989
- Re-Unification, Consolidation and European Integration
- Emancipation and the Balkan Turmoil
- Growing Self-Confidence and Responsibility
- Conclusion and Outlook
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work examines the development of German foreign policy since the fall of the Berlin Wall, exploring the country's transition from a post-war nation grappling with its past to a more assertive and responsible actor on the international stage. It traces the evolution of German foreign policy, focusing on the key factors that shaped its course and highlighting the challenges and opportunities that emerged.
- The impact of German reunification on its foreign policy approach
- Germany's evolving role in European integration and its foreign policy objectives
- The influence of historical burdens and the "Never again Auschwitz" narrative on German decision-making
- The development of German self-confidence and its willingness to assume greater responsibility in international affairs
- The challenges and opportunities facing Germany in an increasingly interdependent world
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the analysis by examining the historical context of Germany's post-war foreign policy and its evolving self-perception. It highlights the enduring impact of the Nazi era and the ongoing process of national reconciliation.
- German Foreign Policy since 1989: This chapter delves into the key developments in German foreign policy following the fall of the Berlin Wall. It explores the challenges of reunification, the consolidation of Germany's position in Europe, and the country's engagement in international affairs.
- Re-Unification, Consolidation and European Integration: This section examines the process of German reunification and its impact on the country's foreign policy objectives. It explores the role of European integration in shaping Germany's approach to international relations.
- Emancipation and the Balkan Turmoil: This section analyzes the complex challenges posed by the Balkan conflicts in the 1990s and how they influenced Germany's foreign policy. It examines the country's evolving role in international security and peacekeeping efforts.
- Growing Self-Confidence and Responsibility: This section explores the increasing confidence and assertiveness that Germany has displayed in its foreign policy, particularly in the aftermath of the Balkan conflicts. It examines the country's growing willingness to take on greater responsibilities in international affairs.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key themes and concepts explored in this work include German foreign policy, reunification, European integration, international security, historical burden, self-confidence, responsibility, and the role of Germany in an interdependent world.
- 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
