Outrage Has Its Limits: Understanding Germany's Russia Policy

Abstract

This paper examines Germany's strategic approach to Russia. It contends that while three main factors drive Germany's Russia policy (1) economic interests, (2) the tradition of Ostpolitik, and (3) support for liberal values it is the first factor that will steer Germany on the issues that really matter. A strong economy is central to modern Germany's self-image. To keep that economy healthy, German leaderships main concerns will be sustaining exports and securing affordable energy. Because Russia is a natural economic partner on both fronts, Berlin will likely move closer to Moscow over the medium and long term. This will complicate U.S. and NATO efforts to build consensus on confronting the Kremlin.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 05, 2019
Accession Number
AD1079694

Entities

People

  • Charles M. Layne

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Weapons
  • Cold War
  • Commerce
  • Economic Models
  • Economics
  • Foreign Policy
  • Foreign Relations
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Human Rights
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • National Politics
  • Ukraine

Fields of Study

  • Economics

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • International Relations and European Studies