Germany’s European diplomacy: shaping the regional milieu

Abstract:

Part of the major new series on contemporary Germany, 'Issues in German Politics', this volume offers an analysis of the German role in the EU. It uses a novel approach which identifies German influence in the EU in terms of 'soft' power. The book examines the way in which Germany, rather than pursuing interests at the expense of other states, focuses on the creation of a 'milieu' of multilateral co-operation in which its interests can flourish. The book tracks internal processes of EU policy-making alongside the dynamics of a series of key external partnerships - with France, the UK and the Netherlands. The analysis of the interlinkages of internal and external factors is then developed further in three case studies of Germany's European diplomacy: the Intergovernmental Conference which culminated at the EU Amsterdam Summit in 1997; the preparations for the launch of the single European currency, the Euro, on 1st January 1999; and Eastern enlargement. A theme developed throughout the book is the impact of the new German government elected in September 1998. What is changing with the Schroder government? Will German power remain 'soft'?

Germany's European diplomacy will make a valuable addition to reading lists for courses on both German and European Union politics. It will also appeal to the general reader with interests in contemporary German and European politics.

Simon Bulmer is Professor of Government at the University of Manchester. Charlie Jeffery is Professor of German Politics at the Institute for German Politics at the University of Birmingham. William E Paterson is Professor of German Politics at the Institute for German Studies at the University of Birmingham.