The Federal Republic of Germany and its relations with the Soviet Union, 1945-1991

Abstract

The Cold War produced a bipolar Europe, clearly visualized by the division of Germany. The Soviet expansion through its own spheres of influence was perceived by the Federal Republic of Germany as threatening its political and territorial integrity. Consequently, the FRG had the dual objective of seeking and regaining international credibility by means of its policy of Western integration. However, in the mid 1950s, the FRG believed that establishing relations with the Soviet Union would ease the reunification process. Yet, this deteriorated mainly due to the conflicting views on the status of Berlin. The 1970s improved relations between the two sides through the adoption of a new Eastern policy by the FRG - Ostpolitik. Thus, the processes of detente and rapprochement reinforced bilateral relations. In the early 1980s, the new leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev introduced political changes which led to the collapse of the authoritarian regimes in Eastern Europe. The fall of Soviet power and the change in the international scene contributed towards German reunification. Since German Unity, relations have improved and widened. As a result, it enhanced cooperation in the political sphere and in the economic and cultural sectors. This rapprochement is envisaged to be consolidated in the foreseeable future.