Unequal Partners: French-German Relations, 1989-2000

The reconciliation of France and Germany is a landmark in the history of the twentieth century. Between 1870 and 1950 they fought three wars. Then, as founders of the European Community they became linked by increasingly close economic, political, and cultural ties. Friend asserts that it is no exaggeration to say that the French-German relationship has been central to the history of Western Europe in the second half of the twentieth century. However, as Germany has grown into the economic giant of Europe, in particular after the reunification of East and West Germany, new elements have emerged in this unequal, but unavoidable partnership. Friend explores both the domestic and foreign affairs elements of this relationship and points to the compelling nature of the integration movement and its consequences for and on France and Germany.