Reunification in West German Party Politics from Westbindung to Ostpolitik - (New Perspectives in German Political Studies) by Joost Kleuters

About the Book

"This book combines new thinking in International Relations theory and Foreign Policy Analysis with original historical research concerning West German party politics in the 1950s and 1960s and the struggle between the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats on the issue of how reunification should be approached, from Adenauer's policy of Westbindung to Brandt's Ostpolitik. It contributes to theory formation on international politics and foreign policy by using the Federal Republic as a crucial case study on "strategic states" in international politics and at the same time adds to the historiography of the German question and West German reunification policy. The result is a compelling, detailed narrative with a clear focus on theoretical relevance concerning foreign policy decision-making. This book is essential reading for students and scholars of German politics, German History, European Studies, and Foreign Policy."--

Book Synopsis

Combining new thinking in International Relations theory with original historical research, Kleuters explores the struggle between Christian Democrats and Social Democrats on the subject of German reunification, from Westbindung to Ostpolitik. The result is a gripping narrative focussing on theoretical relevance in foreign policy decisions-making.

Review Quotes

Drawing on extensive archival research and the most recent scholarship, and linking diplomacy to domestic politics, Joost Kleuters has developed a clear and incisive analysis of the Federal Republic of Germany's complicated but ultimately successful integration into the postwar international system that should be useful to both specialists and students.

Ronald J. Granieri, Historical Office, US Department of Defense.

Exactly 40 years after the conclusion of the Eastern Treaties that implemented Ostpolitik, this book succeeds in showing the continuing relevance of the study of the German Question to both historical research and theory formation on international politics. Kleuters' book is a valuable addition to the existing body of literature.

Tilman Mayer, University of Bonn and Chairman of the German Studies Society (Gesellschaft für Deutschlandforschung) in Berlin

About the Author

JOOST KLEUTERS was born in Eindhoven (The Netherlands). His research interests and publications concern Foreign Policy Analysis, diplomatic history, transatlantic relations and European politics. He lives and works in Germany.