Emerging German Security Policy - The Dispute on 'Out of Area' Employments

摘要

The Gulf War forced Germany to face the question of their responsibility in worldaffairs. Germany was asked to contribute to the security and stability of the Middle East region. They declined to do so. Germany was fixed on unification. Therefore the request of the allies for military assistance came as a surprise. A violent debate then emerged on whether unified Germany should take increased responsibility in the world. The debate is still in progress. The war in Southwest Asia was a 'cross-roads' of German Security policy. The government now desires to deploy German forces 'out of area' for international peace and conflict resolutions. However, the opposition party still insists on 'blue helmet' missions only. There are different reasons for Germany's reluctance to commit forces alongside its allies. Pacifism and anti-Americanism, represented by a politically active minority, strongly influenced the public opinion during Desert Storm. This rigid and self-righteous morals was not the major reason for military reluctance. Recent German history and a political interpretation of the 'Basic Law' (constitution) were the real reasons for Germany's hesitancy. The 'Basic Law' is ambivalent regarding guidelines for security policy. However, experts in constitutional law hold the position that there are no legal constraints. Therefore, the government must solve a political rather than a constitutional problem.