In:
Vierteljahrshefte für Zeitgeschichte, Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Vol. 54, No. 4 ( 2006-10-15), p. 673-700
Abstract:
The strategic embargo which the United States had initiated and then established together with its allies pursued the aim to impede the development of new armament technology in the socialist states. This embargo confronted the Federal German government with a number of difficult decisions: Because of diverging interests regarding the policies concerning global security, foreign trade, Europe and the two German states, the government of the Federal Republic pursued a strategy which was both stubborn and inconsistent in parts. Washington advocated an integration of the economic relations with the GDR into the “embargo regime”, but this plan was met with strong objection on the Rhine. The Federal Ministry of Economics even tolerated it when West German companies obviously contravened the embargo. Contrary to the findings of previous research in this field, the Federal Government did certainly not present itself as an absolutely loyal agent which always kept to the guidelines given by the USA. In 1955, Washington reacted to Bonn's “misbehaviour” and installed a “special committee” that watched over transactions between West Germany and East Germany that were rated as questionable with regard to international security. At the same time the United States expanded the network of institutions in which the Federal Republic of Germany, which was acting increasingly self-confident, was integrated within the American concept of “embedded security”.The fast-growing economic and political importance of the Federal Republic of Germany revealed itself clearly in 1957/58 when some West European states pulled out from Washington's embargo strategy. Not only did the government at Bonn take on the role of an important advocate of West European interests. It was also suggested that the members of the West German government should act as widely accepted mediators within the embargo regime.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2196-7121
,
0042-5702
DOI:
10.1524/VfZg.2006.54.4.673
Language:
English
Publisher:
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Publication Date:
2006
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2075270-2
detail.hit.zdb_id:
200371-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2218237-8
SSG:
8
Bookmarklink