Germany’s new Ostpolitik finds ways to engage with Russia. Egmont Commentary, 25 February 2016

Ostpolitik was considered synonymous with West Germany’s foreign policy during the Cold War. This foreign policy doctrine was developed by Chancellor Willy Brandt to give more strategic options and flexibility to Bonn’s foreign policy, primarily improving relations with Moscow. Ostpolitik remained a very useful tool for German foreign policy even after the reunification of the country. Now Ostpolitik can once more become a useful tool in restoring the strategic understanding between Germany and Russia following the crisis in Ukraine