Reunification in West German Party Politics from Westbindung to Ostpolitik

ISBN-13: 9780230301672 / Angielski / Twarda / 2012 / 203 str.

Joost Kleuters

Opis

This book combines new thinking in International Relations theory and Foreign Policy Analysis withoriginal historical research concerning West German party politics in the 1950s and 1960s and thestruggle between the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats on the issue of howreunification should be approached, from Adenauer's policy of Westbindung to Brandt'sOstpolitik. It contributes to theory formation on international politics and foreign policy by usingthe Federal Republic as a crucial case study on 'strategic states' in international politics and at thesame time adds to the historiography of the German question and West German reunification policy. Theresult is a compelling, detailed narrative with a clear focus on theoretical relevance concerning foreignpolicy decision-making. This book is essential reading for students and scholars of German politics, German History, European Studies, and Foreign Policy.

Recenzje

Drawing on extensive archival research and the most recent scholarship, and linking diplomacy to domestic politics, Joost Kleuters has developed a clear and incisive analysis of the Federal Republic of Germany's complicated but ultimately successful integration into the postwar international system that should be useful to both specialists and students.

Ronald J. Granieri, Historical Office, US Department of Defense.

Exactly 40 years after the conclusion of the Eastern Treaties that implemented Ostpolitik, this book succeeds in showing the continuing relevance of the study of the German Question to both historical research and theory formation on international politics. Kleuters' book is a valuable addition to the existing body of literature.

Tilman Mayer, University of Bonn and Chairman of the German Studies Society (Gesellschaft für Deutschlandforschung) in Berlin

Spis treści

Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Between Continuity and Change Westbindung instead of Wiedervereinigung Reunification Policy under Pressure: Taking the Offensive The Christian Democrats Stick, the Social Democrats Swing A Tale of Three Cities: Bonn, Berlin and Washington Adenauer's Long Shadow Ostpolitik on Hold Crossing the Rubicon: Brandt's Ostpolitik Conclusions Sources and Literature

O autorze

JOOST KLEUTERS was born in Eindhoven (The Netherlands). His research interests and publications concern Foreign Policy Analysis, diplomatic history, transatlantic relations and European politics. He lives and works in Germany.