The implications of unification for Germany's role in the European Union.

This study analyses the nature of Germany's role in the EU after unification. The thesis posits a two tier approach, first examining Germany's relationship in the EU at a 'high' politics, and then utilising a sectoral approach to Germany's role in the EU, focusing on two key policy areas: migration and agriculture. The thesis reviews theories of European integration assessing their applicability to Germany's specific case. It is argued that it is an oversimplification to characterise Germany as either an 'assertive' or 'compliant' actor. In the broader context, the thesis notes a continuity in Germany's pro-European position after unification. However, the thesis also concludes that Germany has acquired a stronger role. Unification has presented Germany with a number of challenges in the domestic arena. Borrowing from the ideas of Lowi, the thesis argues that Germany's role in the EU is policy specific and differs in contrasting policy sectors. The thesis also specifies the characteristics within the policy sector that shape Germany's actions in the EU. Furthermore, it is argued that the EU serves as an important arena for solving important domestic concerns. The thesis attempts to develop a taxonomic model comprising three characteristics: dynamics of the policy sector, policy circumstance and policy-making structures to test these hypotheses. The two policy sectors analysed illustrate how Germany's role can vary according to the issue in question. Germany's attitude towards migration gravitated towards an attempt to seek European solutions and Europeanise policy in an issue which represented a major domestic challenge after unification. Conversely, agriculture continued to be dominated by the Germans seeking wholly 'German' outcomes in the EU institutions. The thesis highlights the utility of European frameworks in particular policy sectors. In the case of migration, domestic and European policy making structures acted as a formidable constraint for policy solutions. On the contrary, in agriculture the nature of policy making at the domestic and European level enhanced the position of farmers and the agricultural sector in general