GERMAN PARTICIPATION IN MILITARY OPERATIONS OUTSIDE THE NATO AREA

The question of German participation in military operations outside th e NATO area is a main issue in the post-reunification political debate in Germany. One position, which is mainly a conservative point of vie w, claims that the sovereignty of reunified Germany, and the new situa tion in Europe, lead to the conclusion that self-imposed geographical restrictions on German participation in military actions must be remov ed. The opposite position, dominant within the SPD, holds that in view of Germany's special history, these self-restrictions should be retai ned for political and moral reasons. The article analyses the argument ation behind these positions and shows how the new European situation must lead to a move away from traditional West German policies. But th e outcome of this discussion is still open.