Abstract
Throughout the Cold War, US-German relations were characterized by a clear asymmetry. This resulted not only from the imbalance between those countries’ potentials, but also from formula of the West German dependence on the American patron: the FRG relied heavily on the support and guarantees provided byWashington. In 1990, the unification of Germany introduced new elements to the relationship. New Germany became a sovereign and „normal” state, at the same time their rank and position in Europe was on the rise accompanied by a gradual weakening of the sense of dependence on the American patron. As a result, at the turn of the century US-German relations have entered a phase of mitigating the asymmetry. This process was accompanied by an unprecedented downturn in mutual relations: Germany became more assertive with respect to the Washington expectations and demands; they also became able to attitudes contrary to the American policy agenda. The United States understood that they are now dealing with a more difficult partner: one conscious of its rank, and strongly articulating its own interestsand expectations.Washington – Berlin relations have thus entered the phase of a more balanced partnership.
References
„Bulletin des Presse- und Informationsamtes der Bundesregierung” 10 II 1993.
„Bulletin des Presse- und Informationsamtes der Bundesregierung” 3 III 1993.
„Das Parlament”, nr 28 z 15 VII 1994.
„International Herald Tribune” z 27 II 1990.
„The Wall Street Journal” z 13 VII 1994.
Ash T. G., Germany’s Choice, „Foreign Affairs”, vol. 73, No 4, July/August 1994.
Burt R., Deutschland und Ameryka. Partner für eine Welt im Wandel, Herford 1988.
Daalder I. H., Lindsay J. M., The Bush Revolution: The Remaking of American Foreign Policy, The Brookings Institution, May 2003.
Haftendorn H., Germany as a Self-assured European Middle Power, w: A Hybrid Relationship: Transatlantic Security Cooperation beyond NATO, ed. P. Schmidt, Frankfurt/Main 2008.
Janes J., New Foreign Policy Responsibilities for United Germany, American Institute for Contemporary German Studies, Washington 2010.
Kaiser K., Deutschlands Vereinigung. Die internationale Aspekte. Mit den wichtigen Dokumenten, Bergisch Gladbach 1991.
Kissinger H., Sojusz na rozstajach, „Rzeczpospolita” 26–27 X 2002.
Kiwerska J., Neokonserwatywna polityka George’a W. Busha. Założenia, realizacja i skutki, „Zeszyty Instytutu Zachodniego” 2005, nr 38.
Konturen und Perspektiven einer neuen internationalen Ordnung. Erklärung des Bundeskanzlers vor der Bundespressekonferenz in Bonn, „Bulletin. Presse und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung” z 18 V 1991.
Malinowski K., Przemiany niemieckiej polityki bezpieczeństwa 1990–2005, Poznań 2009.
Mathiopoulos M., US – Präsidentenschaft und die deutsche Frage in der Kanzlerschaft von Adenauer bis Kohl, „Aussenpolitik” 1988, nr 4.
Meiers F. J., Crossing the Red Lines? The Grand Coalition and the Paradox of German Foreign Policy, American Institute for Contemporary German Studies, Policy Report 32, Washington 2008.
Pruitt K. L., Die amerikanische Deutschlandpolitik in der Bush-Ära. Wandel einer historischen Partnerschaft, Münschen 1995.
Safire W. w: „The New York Times” z 14 IX 1984.
Wolffe R., Simonian H., Williamson H., U.S. Condemns „Poisoned” Relations with Berlin, „Financial Times” z 21 IX 2002.
License
Articles published in "Przegląd Strategiczny" are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. License (CC BY 4.0). They may be copied, redistributed and shared only if appropriate credit is given.