A militarily expanding Germany has the right idea
During the Cold War, the West German Army was considered second only to that of the United States as NATO’s most capable land force. At the same time, East Germany’s army was considered the second-most capable Warsaw Pact force after that of the Soviet Union. Perhaps it was not surprising, therefore, that British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and French President Francois Mitterand both initially opposed German reunification, driven by memories of German military prowess, especially in the first years of World War II.
- ▪During the Cold War, the West German Army was considered second only to that of the United States as NATO’s most capable land force.
- ▪At the same time, East Germany’s army was considered the second-most capable Warsaw Pact force after that of the Soviet Union.
- ▪Perhaps it was not surprising, therefore, that British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and French President Francois Mitterand both initially opposed German reunification, driven by memories of German military prowess, especially in the fi
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Opinion>Opinions - National Security The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the view of The Hill A militarily expanding Germany has the right idea Comments: by Dov Zakheim, opinion contributor - 05/22/26 10:30 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Dov Zakheim, opinion contributor - 05/22/26 10:30 AM ET Comments: Link copied AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During the Cold War, the West German Army was considered second only to that of the United States as NATO’s most capable land force. At the same time, East Germany’s army was considered the second-most capable Warsaw Pact force after that of the Soviet Union.
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