German Reunification: A Soviet Opportunity
Abstract
The inter-German border (IGB) has been the focus of consistent NATO/ Warsaw Pact confrontation and the German question, the question of German reunification, has been at the root of East/West relations in Europe since the end of World War II. There is a consensus that no solution to the challenge of East/West confrontation exists which does not include resolution of the German question. This study uses the medium of a fictional state memorandum from General Secretary Gorbachev to Foreign Minister Schevardnadze laying out a scenario in which resolution of the problem of the separate Germanies is proposed by the Soviets and exploited to their advantage. It considers how such a scenario might be orchestrated to meet current and future needs in the Soviet Union for economic development assistance, access to western technology and most importantly as a guarantee for the nation's security. Finally, it explores the lack of preparedness on the part of the United states to deal with such a Soviet initiative. The scenario details a series of events which, if they occurred, could result in major changes in the world balance of power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA208041
Entities
People
- Charles G. Stevens
Organizations
- United States Army War College