German Rearmament: A Historical Analysis for Application in the 21st Century

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1213641 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The 2022-2023 war in Ukraine triggered what appeared to be a sharp turn in Germany's commitment to rearmament; however, Germany has faced similar challenges throughout its post-war history. A study of Germany and the Bundeswehr during two critical periods - the years following the end of World War Two and the years following the end of the Cold War - can inform contemporary debates about the role and prominence of the armed forces in the Federal Republic and in NATO. The Bundeswehr is a stable element within Germany's democratic society and remains committed to preventing the repeat of past mistakes through the practice of its ethos - Innere Fuhrung - and its ability to adapt while remaining an army in a democracy. Furthermore, the Bundeswehr also remains an army in alliance, most crucially in NATO. Answers to questions regarding Germany's ability to adapt and commit to NATO are found in its past. This analysis reveals Germany's past success in response to internal and external threats and suggests its ability to apply similar methods in the future.

Author(s):
Smith, Curtis A
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA
Funding Organization(s):
NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA, MONTEREY, CA
Document Type:
Technical Report/Master's Thesis
Publication Date:
2023 Jun 01
Pagination:
74

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release.
Copyright: Not Copyrighted

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Keyword(s):
Germany, politics, culture, Bundeswehr, Nationale Voksarmee, military role, transformation, adaptation, reform, Basic Law, barriers, Innere Fhrung
Subject Categories:
Military Sciences; Behavioral and Social Sciences
Communities of Interest:
Descriptor(s):
national security, military science, war colleges, military training, national politics, warfare, international relations, east germany, military education, national governments, second world war, treaties, governments, military history, united states, foreign relations, intergovernmental organizations
Creation Date:
2023 Oct 25
Update Date:
2023 Nov 09