Israel's security as German national interest: German historical commitment to Israel

This thesis analyses the connection between Israel's security and Germany's reason of state and examines the historically derived moral commitment of Germany to Israel. Despite the dark historical background, Germany and Israel have managed to develop close bilateral ties and intensive partnership. Nonetheless, the relationship remains very complex and the role of the past is still very significant. Germany still feels a strong sense of responsibility for Israel's security, and its moral commitment to Israel remains to be one of the most important factors determining Germany's policies towards the Middle East. The thesis provides answers to the following research questions: What is the role of Israel in Germany's reason of state? And What does the connection of Israel's security and Germany's reason of state mean in concrete terms, with a special focus on Germany's position towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? The theoretical and conceptual framework of the thesis is built on the constructivist approach to international relations. Working with the constructivist definition of national interest, it examines the connection between Israel's security and Germany's reason of state. The thesis also employs the role concept of civilian power to offer a better understanding of German foreign policy,..