SEM 9: Germany and the outside world since 1990

Helmut Kohl

Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998, known for his role in German reunification and European integration.

German reunification

The process of unifying East and West Germany in 1990, significantly influenced by Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

European integration

The process by which European countries strengthen their political and economic ties, significantly advanced by Germany.

Euro

The currency of the Eurozone, introduced in 1999 as part of the European integration effort.

Joschka Fischer

Foreign Minister of Germany from 1998 to 2005, shifted from pacifism to supporting NATO intervention.

NATO intervention in Kosovo

Military action led by NATO in 1999 to stop ethnic cleansing, supported by Joschka Fischer.

Gerhard Schröder

Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005, known for opposing the Iraq War and strengthening ties with Russia.

Iraq War (2003)

A military conflict initiated by the US, which Germany, under Chancellor Schröder, opposed.

Angela Merkel

Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021, known for her pragmatic leadership and crisis management.

Eurozone crisis

A financial crisis that began in the late 2000s affecting countries in the Eurozone, with significant German influence.

Olaf Scholz

Current Chancellor of Germany since 2021, facing challenges with decisive leadership in foreign policy.

Balkan Wars (1990s)

Conflicts in the Balkan region during the 1990s, with Germany ultimately supporting NATO interventions.

Gulf War (1991)

A conflict in which Germany provided financial aid but did not deploy troops, citing constitutional reasons.

Libya (2011)

Germany abstained from the UN vote on military intervention, prioritizing economic interests over humanitarian concerns.

Economic sanctions

Non-military actions imposed by Germany in response to conflicts, viewed as a preferred approach to intervention.

Minsk Agreements

Negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, brokered by Germany.

Ukraine crisis (2014-Present)

Ongoing conflict involving Russia's annexation of Crimea and subsequent military support for Ukraine by Germany.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an intergovernmental military alliance that Germany is part of.

EU membership

Germany supports the expansion of the European Union to include Eastern European nations.

Brexit (2016)

The United Kingdom's exit from the EU, strongly opposed by Germany.

Economic diplomacy

Germany’s approach to foreign policy emphasizing trade relations and economic cooperation.

Multilateralism

The practice of engaging multiple countries in diplomacy and negotiations, strongly supported by Germany.

Peacekeeping missions

Germany's historical focus on non-aggressive military operations, highlighting its post-WWII military stance.

Military caution

Germany's reluctance to engage in military interventions due to its historical context.

Domestic opposition

Resistance within Germany regarding full military engagement in international conflicts.

Nord Stream 2

A controversial gas pipeline project from Russia to Germany, criticized for increasing energy dependency.

Diplomatic mediation

Germany's role in conflict resolution through negotiation rather than military intervention.

Sanctions against Russia

Economic measures imposed by Germany in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Arms supplies to Ukraine

Germany's provision of military assistance to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in its defense policy.

EU unity

Germany's emphasis on maintaining solidarity and cooperation among European Union member states.

Crisis management

Germany's efforts to stabilize situations like the Eurozone crisis and the Ukraine conflict.

Pragmatic leadership

Angela Merkel's approach, balancing competing international relations to achieve stability.