GERMAN REARMAMENT: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS FOR APPLICATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Loading...
Authors
Smith, Curtis A.
Subjects
Germany
politics
culture
Bundeswehr
Nationale Voksarmee
military role
transformation
adaptation
reform
Basic Law
barriers
alliance
democracy
Innere Führung
politics
culture
Bundeswehr
Nationale Voksarmee
military role
transformation
adaptation
reform
Basic Law
barriers
alliance
democracy
Innere Führung
Advisors
Halladay, Carolyn C.
Date of Issue
2023-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
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 II 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 Führung—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.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.