Germany’s Stance on the Termination of the INF Treaty by the US
Germany’s Stance on the Termination of the INF Treaty by the US

Summary/Abstract: This paper aims to discuss Germany’s stance on the decision taken by US President Donald Trump on 1 February 2019 to withdraw from the INF Treaty, given Russia’s noncompliance with its provisions. It looks at the numerous consequences that may result for the German security policy. Given its geostrategic position at the heart of Europe, the political role of Germany – the cornerstone of the transatlantic system and military potential – makes the country an important player in the dispute with Russia regarding the restoration of the balance in medium-range nuclear weapons in Europe. The Merkel government believes that the initiative to overcome the crisis lies with Russia. Germany will undertake diplomatic attempts to restore dialogue with Russia and at the same time persuade the US to seek agreement on the renegotiation of the treaty. The Merkel government intends to include the issue of medium-range missiles in talks on a wider disarmament agreement with the US and Russia, but also China. Approval for deployment of American missiles is limited in the German political class and remains the subject of internal disputes, which may eventually weaken NATO.

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