THE UNIVERSITY of HULL Ching Chang
THE UNIVERSITY OF HULL The Nationale Volksarmee in German Reunification: Aspects of Policy and Process Being a Thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy In the University of Hull By Ching Chang B.S., Chinese Naval Academy, ROC M.S., University of Colorado at Boulder, USA Diploma (PME), Naval Staff College, US Naval War College, USA Diploma (PME), Naval Command College, US Naval War College, USA February 2005 Abstract Disposing of the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA), the armed forces of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), was viewed as the initial step of a comprehensive German post Cold War defence reform programme. The author of this study intends to challenge a generally accepted perspective originated by the political leadership of the Federal Republic of Germany and subsequently recited by many politico-military commentators that this effort of managing the NVA had significant positive impact on the overall German reunification process. The author assumed that such a political myth was caused by an insufficient basis of judgment, only focused on the initial stage of accommodating former NVA members into the Bundeswehr. Therefore, this study will re-examine the essence and significance of managing the NVA from two new angles, which received less attention from previous researchers. From a study of the negotiating process regarding the NVA in the last days of the GDR regime, the author proves that the future of the NVA never was the core issue to any party other than its military professionals. Hence, it could not be drastically elevated as a key factor in facilitating the post-reunification German national unity.
[Show full text]