West Germany’s Economic Relations with the East: Political Goals and Economic Possibilities

Abstract

From the West German perspective the political significance that has always been attributed to East-West economic relations beyond purely commercial considerations is undisputed. This is because economic ties have invariably been a significant part of the overall East-West relationship which, apart from its political and military dimension, also has economic components. Since East-West relations over the years can be viewed essentially as an alternating mix of conflict and cooperation, the question as to the significance of economic ties as an instrument in East-West relations has arisen time and again.