Uneasy Allies : British-German Relations and European Integration Since 1945

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, fundamental differences in values and policy can be discerned in British-German relations. For historical, political, and economic reasons, the collective memories of both nations have retained very different identities and attitudes towards each other and towards the European continent and European integration. Yet, Britain is one of the most significant European partners for Germany and Germany is of great importance for Britains; role in Europe. This book focuses on the influence of European integration on the policies of Britain and Germany towards each other. It considers British-German relations in the context of European integration in their historical dimensions since 1945. Britains ambiguous policy towards the GDR and Mrs; Thatchers opposition to German unification are also discussed. In particular, the book focuses on the post-1990 relationship and examines the political, security related, economic and financial as well as the social aspects of the dynamic British-German relations in an ever more interdependent world. The influence of the US and France on both Germany and Britain and their European policies is therefore considered in detail. This book offers interesting and challenging insights into the; evolution of British-German relations within the context of European integration in the post-Second World War and post-Unification era. The book argues that throughout the latter half of the twentieth century Britain and Germany can be characterised as uneasy allies. It is only since the late 1990s Britain; and Germany appear to have become genuine partners in the context of European integration This Book Offers Interesting And Challenging Insights Into The Evolution Of British-german Relations Within The Context Of European Integration In The Post-second World War And Post-unification Era. The Book Argues That Throughout The Latter Half Of The Twentieth Century Britain And Germany Can Be Characterised As 'uneasy Allies'. It Is Only Since The Late 1990s Britain And Germany Appear To Have Become Genuine Partners In The Context Of European Integration.--jacket. Introduction: Uneasy Allies Or Genuine Partners? Britain, Germany, And European Integration / Klaus Larres -- British-west German Relations, 1945-1972 / Anne Deighton -- British-west German Relations, 1973-1989 / Julie Smith And Geoffrey Edwards -- Britain And The Gdr: Political And Economic Relations, 1949-1989 / Klaus Larres -- Britain And German Unification, 1989/90 / Lothar Kettenacker -- Britain, Germany, And The Deepening Of Europe: The Role Of Domestic Norms And Institutions / Jim Buller And Charlie Jeffery -- The Eastern Enlargement Of The European Union / John Pinder -- The American Dimension: Britain, Germany, And The Reinforcement Of Us Hegemony In Europe In The 1990s / Valur Ingimundarson -- Nato Or Weu? The Security Policy Since 1990 / Emil J. Kirchner -- Industrial And Commercial Cultures In Britain And Germany: Rivalry Or Reconcilability? / Jeremy Leaman -- European Union Social Policy: German And British Perspectives On Industrial Democracy / Elizabeth Meehan -- The Creation Of The Single Market And Britain's Withdrawal From The Ems / Iain Begg And Michael Wood -- Financial Reporting And Accounting Harmonization In Germany And The Uk: A Comparative Analysis / Patricia Mccourt And George W. Radcliffe -- Negotiating The Intergovernmental Conferences: Maastricht, Amsterdam, And Beyond / Robert Harmsen And Nickolas Reinhardt. Edited By Klaus Larres With Elizabeth Meehan. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [299]-328) And Index. This book offers an interesting and challenging insight into the evolution of British-German relations within the context of European integration in the last half of the 20th century. It is one of the first substantial and interdisciplinary attempts to analyze the volatile British-German relationship since World War II. It argues that although British-German relations were difficult throughout the post-World War II period, since the change of government in 1997 in Britain and 1998 in Germany, both countries have developed a much more constructive policy towards each other.