Franco-German Security Accommodation: Illusion of Agreement

Abstract

The authors have attempted to explain the developments in the evolution of European integration by focusing on the Franco-Germany relationship. They argue that Paris and Bonn remain strongly committed to the concept, principally as a vehicle to overcome their collective past. A constant and, at times, irritating characteristic of this drive is their almost obsessive need to be in agreement, particularly when they are not. When stymied in attempts to initiate greater integration, the two countries invariably turn to military cooperation (e.g., the Eurocorps) to promote greater consensus. The authors conclude that Washington needs to appreciate better the rationales behind these French and German initiatives and adopt a coherent policy towards a future European Defense Identity.... Maastricht Treaty, European integration, European Community, Exchange Rate Mechanism, Franco-German relationship, Paris- Bonn axis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 11, 1993
Accession Number
ADA261448

Entities

People

  • Thomas D Young
  • William T. Johnsen

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Classification
  • Cooperation
  • European Communities
  • European Union
  • Germany
  • Governments
  • Identities
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Western Europe

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.