Original scientific paper
GERMANY AND THE BALANCE BETWEEN THREATS AND CAPACITIES IN EUROPE
Daniel N. Nelson
; Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Abstract
Germany's security dilemma is to fulfill the larger role in Europe and global security that is expected after reunification, while not rekindling a sense of threat particularly among neighbors to the east. Opinion surveys of Germans and Central/East Europeans reveal substantial difficulties were Germany to become more assertive. Changes in German behavior and constitutional interpretation suggest a maturation or “normalization” of German foreign policy. Thus far, these changes have emphasized traditional forms of diplomacy and alliance behavior focused on using the enlarged capacities of a reunited Germany that more directly pursue German interests. An alternative ways by which to perform a larger security role are discussed, particularly in light of data regarding the mutual perceptions of Germans among neighboring peoples and leaders.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
105669
URI
Publication date:
18.11.1997.
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