Germany's pivotal role in the construction of a common European house
In the wake of the bipolar order, a political and strategic reconfiguration of Europe is necessary that reflects the current international atmosphere. Germany's reunification has prompted a reappraisal of that country's economic, political, and security role in Europe. Germany is a central element to any new European order due to its geography, economic and political clout, and its unique historical position between East and West; In light of recent changes, the relevance of neofunctional integration theory has been revived. The intergovernmental conferences at Maastricht on economic and political union demonstrate that functional and political "spill-over" are complemented by cultivated "spill-over"--the use of diplomacy to upgrade the common interest of integrating members. This refinement lends neofunctionalism a new relevancy in light of Europe's emerging order; Germany has demonstrated a dramatic break with its militaristic past and demonstrated its commitment to the institutions of the West. The German polity has undergone a fundamental change and the country has become a stable liberal democracy. Its commitment to restructuring European economic, political, and security institutions to incorporate all European nations should mitigate the fears of Germany's neighbors of a return to its hegemonic, militaristic past.
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