%0 Journal Article
%T Deutschlands Baltikumpolitik ¨C Zwischen europ ischer Integration und Ann herung an Russland
%A Helge Dauchert
%J Nordeuropaforum
%D 2008
%I Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin
%X Germany¡¯s low-key approach towards Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania gave way to the suspicion that unified Germany had chosen to prioritise a Russia-oriented realpolitik over its traditional policy based on ethical norms. The following article rejects this interpretation. The underlying reason for Germany¡¯s constant aloofness towards the Baltic states was its plan to create a peaceful and integrated post-Cold War Europe that led the German government into a predicament: Its role as an EU-integration deepener proofed to be incompatible with its role as an advocate of the eastern-enlargement of the EU. Further-more, its commitment towards a broad and functioning co-operation with Russia was opposed by the CEE-states. As a result, German politicians decided to adjourn EU- and NATO-enlargement and to reduce the number of applicants. For that reason Germany abstained from advocating the Baltic states¡¯ integration into the Euro-Atlantic organisations.
%K Russia
%K Lithuania
%K Foreign & Security Policy
%K Relations with Germany
%K Baltic States
%K Europe
%K Estonia
%K Latvia
%K Baltic Sea Region
%U http://edoc.hu-berlin.de/nordeuropaforum/2008-2/dauchert-helge-53/PDF/dauchert.pdf