A Study of Post-Cold War German Policy Towards the Iranian Nuclear Issue

Abstract

Germany has been an important participant in the resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, and the evolution of the Iranian nuclear crisis has become a major event in the international community at the beginning of the 21st century. The U.S. pursued unilateralism and hegemony, advocating unilateral sanctions and coercive means to solve the problem, while the EU, led by Germany, adhered to multilateralism and advocated a peaceful solution through negotiations and other means. After Merkel came to power, she promptly adjusted her policy towards the U.S., made the U.S. accept the EU proposal, shaped Germany into a role that is bold to challenge and take responsibility in the face of crises, pushed the UN Security Council to reach multilateral sanctions and comprehensive EU sanctions against Iran, and finally reached the Iran nuclear deal. This journey fully demonstrates Germany’s pursuit of foreign policy autonomy in the post-Cold War era, balancing the two pillars of foreign policy towards Europe and the U.S. in pursuit of its own interests.