In Search of Stability in the East: Germany’s Russia Strategy and the New Architecture of the Euro-Atlantic Security System During Helmut Kohl’s Chancellorship (1991–1998)
Javid Mammadli
Abstract. This article analyzes Germany’s Russia policy during Helmut Kohl’s chancellorship (1991–1998) within the context of the emerging Euro-Atlantic security system. The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the USSR created new realities in the European security architecture, presenting Berlin with both strategic opportunities and risks. The Kohl government viewed Russia as a key geopolitical actor for ensuring lasting peace in Europe and considered the maintenance of a constructive partnership with Moscow an integral part of Germany’s national and collective security interests. The article examines Kohl’s adaptation of the Ostpolitik tradition to the post-Soviet context, exploring the political, economic, and security dimensions of Germany–Russia relations. NATO enlargement emerged as one of the most sensitive issues on the Berlin–Moscow axis, with Germany seeking to maintain dialogue with Russia while addressing the security needs of Eastern Europe. The study discusses the impact of the NATO–Russia Founding Act, energy dependency, increasing German investments, Balkan conflicts, and Russia’s domestic political instability on Kohl’s strategy. The research shows that Kohl’s Russia policy was based on a balanced European security model, avoiding both Russia’s isolation and excessive empowerment. Nevertheless, Moscow’s internal instability, growing mistrust due to NATO enlargement, and deepening energy dependence hindered the full realization of his strategy. The article concludes that Kohl’s chancellorship laid the foundational framework for the contemporary phase of Germany–Russia relations.
Keywords: Helmut Kohl, Russia policy, German foreign policy, Euro-Atlantic security system, NATO enlargement, Ostpolitik, energy security, Germany–Russia relations, post-Soviet space, European security