Trends in German Defense Policy

Abstract

The author examines the restructuring of Germany's armed forces. Owing to the planning uncertainties caused by the impending Bundestag elections and the inability of the ruling coalition to provide consistent budgetary guidelines, assessment of the numerical parameters of the Bundeswehr is impossible. Accurate estimation of the peacetime strength of the Bundeswehr or whether it will consist of conscripts to the degree that it has until now will also be difficult to foretell. Yet, in view of this uncertainty, the political importance of Germany in Europe, as well as the lingering anxiety over the unified Germany, it is essential that trends in that country's defense policy be ascertained and assessed. Defense policy guidelines and operational control restructuring are critical indicators of national intention. Bundeswehr (Federal Armed Forces), Coalition government, VPR (Defense Policy Guidelines), Operational control restructuring, NATO, National interests.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 14, 1994
Accession Number
ADA282133

Entities

People

  • Thomas-Durell Young

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Forces (Foreign)
  • Civilian Personnel
  • Command And Control
  • Defense Planning
  • Deployment
  • Employment
  • Force Structure
  • Foreign Policy
  • Governments
  • International Organizations
  • Military Forces (Foreign)
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Operational Readiness
  • Treaties
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
  • Strategic Security Studies