Over the past six years, a subdivided though very centralised mecanism for Russian-German cooperation has been forming. This mecanism has enabled many issues within bilateral relations to be resolved, but at the same time contributed to growing alienation between officiel attitudes and the mood in civil society in both countries. The 'Schröder-Poutin era' in Russian-German relations is coming to end, and it stands to reason that the new government will make changes. However, these are likely to affect the style, and not the substance of relations with Russia.

Double issue in partnership with the CERFA

Hannes Adomeit, 'Germany's Policy on Russia: End of the Honeymoon?' (original title in German: 'Deutsche Russlandpolitik: Ende des 'Schmusekurses'?'), Russie.Nei.Visions, No. 6(b), September 2005

Original title in German: 'Deutsche Russlandpolitik: Ende des 'Schmusekurses'?'

The developments in Putin's Russia away from democracy and the constitutional state have also placed Germany's policy on Russia under scrutiny. In the run-up to the election to the Bundestag on September 18th, representatives of the opposition parties CDU/CSU and FDP have thus made it clear that they no longer approve of the policy Chancellor Schröder has adopted with regard to Russia. The new EU member states in Eastern and Central Europe are accusing Germany of pursuing a Sonderweg compared with the rest of the EU and attempting to build a special relationship with Russia. This article addresses the question of whether this criticism is justified, and what is behind the 'strategic partnership' that Chancellor Schröder and President Putin have attested to time and again.

Double issue in partnership with the CERFA

Andrei Zagorski, 'Russia and Germany: Continuity and Changes', Russie.Nei.Visions, n.6(a), September 2005

Issue available in French, Russian and German.