Germany, Russia, and Conditions for Stability in Central Europe

Abstract

Abstract : For all of the positive trends spurred on by recent changes in the politico-military and economic map of Europe, there are also powerful negative forces which threaten stability from the Atlantic to the Urals. If history provides us any useful precedents, the main threats to regional stability will, in all likelihood, emanate from Central Europe. Disillusionment with the old in Central and Eastern Europe has continued as the new is proving unable to satisfy expectations. Gorbachev's 'new thinking' seems, of late, to be losing out to a resurgence of the powers of reaction. German reunification, although potentially the main catalyst for bridging the post-war artificial division of Europe, is viewed by many in the East and West with suspicion -the age-old 'Germany question' having once again come to the fore. In short, the dark clouds of authoritarianism, hypernationalism and social and economic collapse are never totally beyond the Central European horizon. One thing does, however, seem clear; the path to a stable and prosperous 'common European home' will be long and difficult for all who travel it.