The subject of this book is Europe after the cold war. The European security landscape has changed considerably. The period from November 1989 to November 1990 can be compared with such decisive dates in twentieth-century European history as 1918 and 1945. Germany and Europe have entered a crucial period of transition. While it was relatively easy to describe the dramatic events and changes in the making, it is now more difficult to demonstrate their mutual relationships within the framework of the new European system emerging from them.

The documents published in this volume - many of them for the first time - provide an important record of this historic period. Key papers by some of the leading German politicians of this period, delivered at Potsdam in February 1990, are also presented.

The volume provides the background for a better understanding of developments in Europe - particularly the role of the new German state, to contribute to a sober assessment of the role which the united Germany can play in an emerging new structure for European security, and to facilitate further research on these topics and related issues.