Germany's Unification and Its Implications on U.S. Security Strategy

Abstract

Germany's unification was a major event that changed the political scene in Europe and worldwide. It had been a goal of U.S. policy for decades and was supported by the Bush administration. Unification brought Germany full sovereignty and changed institutions and relations both in Europe and with the United States. NATO lost the common interest of deterring communism. The Alliance is struggling with the search for a new strategy and mission and with ongoing troop reductions. NATO has also to adapt to an increased European integration which led to the revitalization of the WEU and the creation of the Eurocorps. European nations now try to compensate for increased German influence by speeding up the integration process also in the EC which caused the partial failure of the Maastricht treaty. Germany is often trapped in a position between the United States and European nations, especially France. A major effort of both the United Sates and Germany will be necessary to adapt their relations to new realities and to find new common ground.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 19, 1993
Accession Number
ADA264534

Entities

People

  • Stephan D. Kretschmer

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Central Europe
  • Classification
  • Commerce
  • East Germany
  • Germany
  • Governments
  • International Relations
  • Market Economy
  • Markets
  • Money
  • National Security
  • Second World War
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Ussr
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Strategic Security Studies