Deterrence, Détente, Disarmament: German Relations with NATO and Russia Since Reunification

Author

James Mroczka, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-10-2025

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Croft Institute for International Studies

First Advisor

Laura Huber

Second Advisor

Joshua First

Third Advisor

Kenneth Alarcón Negy

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

One consequence of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine was the German Chancellor’s declaration of a turning point in his country’s foreign policy. Although Germany is a loyal liberal democracy, it is noted for its staunch efforts to mediate between its Western friends, especially its NATO allies, and Russia. However, the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war has become emblematic of the persistent cooling of relations between these factions. This historical moment has thus called into question the efficacy of certain longstanding aspects of German foreign policy, including its attempts at mediation. Many of Germany’s behaviors seem deeply entrenched, however.

This begs the question of how heavy, and how lasting, the effects of the attested turning point will be. With the invasion ongoing and the same Chancellor still leading a caretaker government following recent elections, this question is too close to call. Nonetheless, there are some indications of what the incoming administration will look like. Hints about its priorities can be found through qualitative content analysis of past administrations’ foreign policy discussions.

This project seeks answers to the following questions. First, how has the worldview of a typical German policymaker shifted since German reunification in 1990? Second, does this change in perspective encourage German leaders to be more punitive or permissive toward Russia? Its findings are that German parliamentarians continue to make increased use of power politics, associated with the Realist school of international relations theory, and normative politics, associated with the Constructivist school. Meanwhile, the Liberal school, largely focused on economics, is gradually falling by the wayside. This change is generally making Germany more staunchly pro-Western as it gives up on bringing Russia around.

Recommended Citation

Mroczka, James, "Deterrence, Détente, Disarmament: German Relations with NATO and Russia Since Reunification" (2025). Honors Theses. 3340.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3340

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