Multilateralism in German Foreign and Security Policy 1999-2011

The analysis of the German foreign policy multilateralism and its transformation showed that each examined period evinces clear tendencies which meet three concepts of multilateralism outlined in the theoretical beginning of the thesis. Regardless of some fundamental changes in understanding of multilateralism and its new dimensions, it is not possible to speak about development towards any hegemonic or unilateral policy. What could have been seen in the last analyzed period, was an apparent preference for pragmatic and short-term foreign and security policy. During the nineties, Germany hesitantly normalized its international role by breaking some of the taboos typical of the past decades. Foreign and security policy, however, was still based on pacifist identity and values, which have been replicated for years. This tendency corresponds with the reflexivist approach to multilateralism. Following period witnessed the emancipation of Germany and its interests. The government was neither afraid to decline participation in the operation, which did not have UN approval, nor to end up in isolation. The relationship with the United States cooled down and Gerhard Schröder stressed instead the bilateral alliance with France. European integration was no longer an obligation, but rather became a voluntary..