The Civilian Power: German Nuclear Non-Proliferation Policy and Participation Strategy (1990–2020)

In 1974, the Federal Republic of Germany’s (FRG) parliament (the Bundestag) ratified the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This action provided further legitimacy to an international regime that was, in part, designed to prevent West Germany from developing its own deterrent (Alberque 2017; Kühn and Volpe 2017; Kuentzel 1995). The Cold War superpowers hoped Bonn’s participation in that treaty would prevent further proliferation and foster “the development of good relations” between European states, as highlighted by the Soviet Ambassador to Bonn, Zarapkin (Bundestag 1969). West German policymakers also expected to improve Bonn’s international image as a reliable “trade partner” (AA 1978; Deutsches Atomforum 1969) and a non-militaristic civilian state (AA 1978).