Germany’s Role in European Russia Policy: A New German Power? (New Perspectives in German Political Studies)

"Germany's Role in European Russia Policy--A New German Power? provides an innovative framework for analysing how EU-Russia relations might develop well into the twenty-first century." -- Professor Angela Stent, Director, Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies, Georgetown University "With her sophisticated, well-researched and astute assessment of Germany's influence on European policies towards Russia, Liana Fix effectively debunks many of the myths about Germany's alleged "hegemony" in Europe. Essential reading for anyone interested in Germany in Europe." -- Professor Hanns W. Maull, Senior Distinguished Fellow, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) "This book is highly recommended to anyone who wishes to understand how EU foreign policy emerges from the complex interaction between member states and EU institutions. I particularly hope it will find many readers in Russia, where experts and policy makers alike tend to frame Germany's changing role and policy in terms of traditional great power politics." -- Dr. Sabine Fischer, Team Leader, Public Diplomacy. EU and Russia project, Moscow This book contributes to the debate about a new German power in Europe with an analysis of Germany's role in European Russia policy. It provides an up-to-date account of Germany's "Ostpolitik" and how Germany has influenced EU-Russia relations since the Eastern enlargement in 2004 - partly along, partly against the interests and preferences of new member states. The volume combines a rich empirical analysis of Russia policy with a theory-based perspective on Germany's power and influence in the EU. The findings demonstrate that despite Germany's central role, exercising power within the EU is dependent on legitimacy and acceptance by other member states. Liana Fix is a historian and political scientist. In her work, she focuses on German foreign policy, Russia and Eastern Europe as well as European security and has published widely in academia, think tanks and national and international media. She completed a doctorate degree at the Justus Liebig University Giessen and a Master's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science Foreword Acknowledgements Contents About the Author Abbreviations List of Tables Chapter 1: Introduction Framing the Context State of Research Theorising Member States’ Influence Power and the European Union A Taxonomy of Power Research Design and Methodology Case Studies Chapter 2: The Russian-Georgian War 2008: Germany as a Junior Partner German Positions and Preferences Opposing NATO Membership Action Plan for Georgia Setting the Agenda in Abkhazia Crisis Mediation Conflict Phase I: Supporting France’s Conflict Mediation Conflict Phase II: Keeping the EU Together Conflict Phase III: Return to Business-as-Usual Sanctions Policy Explaining the Final Outcome German Influence Alternative Influences I (EU Actors and Member States) Alternative Influences II (Russia, US, External Shocks) Conclusion: Germany as a Junior Partner Chapter 3: The EU-Russia Partnership for Modernisation 2010: Germany as Agenda-Setter German Positions and Preferences Policy Initiation (EU Level) Policy Initiation (Member State Level) Explaining the Final Outcome German Influence Alternative Influences I (EU Actors and Member States) Alternative Influences II (Russia, US, External Shocks) Conclusion: Germany as Agenda-Setter Chapter 4: The Meseberg Initiative 2010: Germany as a Deal-Maker German Positions and Preferences Responding to Medvedev’s Proposals Moldova as a Test Case Policy Initiation (Bilateral Level) Policy Initiation (EU Level) Policy Implementation Explaining the Final Outcome German Influence Alternative Influences I (EU Actors and Member States) Alternative Influences II (Russia, Moldova, US, External Shocks) Conclusion: Germany as a Deal-Maker Chapter 5: The Russia-Ukraine Conflict 2014: Germany as a Leading Power German Positions and Preferences Germany and the Eastern Partnership The Euromaidan Protests Crisis Mediation Conflict Phase I: Mediating in Kyiv Conflict Phase II: Building Crisis Mediation Structures Conflict Phase III: Negotiating Ceasefire Agreements Sanctions Policy Conflict Phase I: Political Sanctions Conflict Phase II: Economic Sanctions Conflict Phase III: Military Measures Explaining the Final Outcome German Influence Alternative Influences I (EU Actors and Member States) Alternative Influences II (Russia, US, External Shocks) Conclusion: Germany as a Leading Power Chapter 6: Conclusion From Hope to Disillusionment Policy Initiatives and Crisis Mediation Crisis Situations Policy Initiatives Between Leadership and Hegemony A New German Power? List of Interviews Bibliography Official Documents Monographies & Edited Volumes Journal Articles Policy & Working Papers News Articles Index