1971 Four-Power Berlin Agreement--Increased or Decreased Tensions in the 1970's.
Abstract
The basic question is whether or not the 1971 Four-Power Berlin Agreement will reduce tension in the decade of the 1970's. While it is fashionable to characterize the negotiations as relieving Berlin tensions, the evidence does not support such a conclusion. Conversely as West German Ostpolitik moves East and Soviet interests increase in the West, the danger of West German-Soviet confrontations increases. The historical causes of Berlin tensions, access problems, Soviet controls, barriers, the Wall, 20 Soviet divisions remain as problems for future confrontations over Berlin. United States security interests are tied to Berlin. The United States may take the following actions: prepare for internal political and economic pressures in West Berlin; take the lead in negotiating German reunification to not only provide a Berlin solution but to prevent Soviet hegemony in Europe without United States presence there. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0764603
Entities
People
- Thomas F. Healy
Organizations
- United States Army War College