A Not-So-Special Relationship

Abstract

Examines how German reunification and the end of the Quadripartite Agreement in 1990 impacted the Anglo–American special relationship Luca Ratti offers new insights into the role of the Anglo-American ‘special relationship’ in German reunification, and examines the impact that Germany’s reunification had on Anglo-American and transatlantic relations. Germany’s unification in October 1990 was one of the most momentous events in modern European history and world politics since the end of World War II. German unity ended the Cold War in Europe, accelerated the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe, and the disintegration of the USSR in 1991. It also triggered NATO’s transformation at the London and Rome summits of the Alliance and deepened Europe’s political and economic integration with the signing of the treaty of Maastricht in 1992. Key Features Analyses and compares attitudes, reactions and developments in the US and Britain Considers their interface with the views and initiatives of the West German government Offers new insight into an issue central to Anglo-American and transatlantic relations Includes interview with key decision makers involved in the negotiations in 1989–90 such as John Major, James Baker III, Helmut Khol and Hans Dietrich Genscher