The Emergence of Détente in Europe

This book examines the key relationship between Willy Brandt (the former Mayor of West Berlin and future West German Chancellor) and the administration of President John F. Kennedy. Arne Hofmann focuses on the administrationâs influence on the development of Brandtâs âpolicy of small stepsâ and the formation of his later Ostpolitik the centrepiece of European dÃtente. Brandtâs interaction with the Kennedy administration is traced through the Berlin Wall crisis of 1961 together with Kennedyâs search for a modus vivendi based on the status quo the 1962 crisis in German-American relations Brandtâs disillusionment campaign the development of his programmatic statements Brandtâs three meetings with the President including Kennedyâs famous visit to Berlin the limited nuclear test ban treaty and Brandtâs Berlin pass agreement of Christmas 1963. While the narrative focuses on the gradual change in Brandtâs position systematic parts concentrate on Brandtâs and Kennedyâs dÃtente concepts the triangular relationship between West Berlin Washington and Bonn with its implication for domestic politics and the role of images campaigning and public opinion. The Emergence of DÃtente in Europe will appeal to students of Cold War history foreign policy international relations and international history in general. . Language: English