The Diplomacy of German Unification

The unification of Germany was the single most important event in 1989-90, the European year of revolutions. This book tells the story of the international aspects of the creation of united Germany. Based on interviews with key Soviet, German and American officials who shaped the final settlement, as well as on extensive journalistic and other secondary sources, this study is the most comprehensive account to date of the diplomatic negotiations over the future political, economic and security role of the new Germany. This volume describes and examines such fundamental issues as the development of the grand compromise on NATO membership for united Germany and the new nation's future security status, the resolution of the Polish-German border debate and the shaping of the diplomatic negotiation structure. This book will help those wishing to understand the nature both of united Germany and of the new Europe. A chronology of German unification is included.