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Title: Germany and the future of nuclear deterrence in Europe. Master's thesis

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6627136

The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the unification of Germany have fundamentally changed the politics of security in Europe. This thesis analyzes German perspectives on the international security environment and offers judgments about the probable future role of nuclear deterrence in European security. The thesis begins with a survey of the role of nuclear deterrence in the security policy of the Federal Republic of Germany during the period prior to reunification in 1989-1990. This is followed by an analysis of German views on the West European nuclear powers: the United Kingdom and France. German views on the U.S. nuclear presence and U.S. commitments to Europe are then examined. German views on nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union and the potential for proliferation on Europe's periphery complete the survey. For the short term, Germany will not change its present policies regarding nuclear deterrence in Europe. The German nation is likely to remain preoccupied with the re-unification process for several years, and German politicians are not disposed to seek a debate on nuclear deterrence. The Germans generally consider Britain and France incapable of providing adequate nuclear protection for the Federal Republic in the near term. so the Germans will continue to rely on the United States for a nuclear guarantee. Germany, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), NATO Nuclear Policy, Nuclear Deterrence, Deterrence, Transatlantic Security, European Security, New National Security Strategy, Nuclear Weapons. Nuclear Strategy.

Research Organization:
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA (United States)
OSTI ID:
6627136
Report Number(s):
AD-A-260378/5/XAB
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Master's thesis
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English