Constants in Russian (Soviet) diplomacy toward Germany: A historic survey of the geopolitical undercurrents in Russia's foreign policy toward Europe

This dissertation is a historical survey of the diplomatic and security relationship between Russia and Germany from the era of Peter the Great to the death of Josef Stalin in 1953. It examines Russia's and Germany's geopolitical situation irrespective of ideology, and provides an answer to the question of why Russian (and later Soviet) leaders generally viewed Germany as a friendly Power in Europe rather than an implacable enemy. The evidence gathered shows that a certain geopolitical constant existed in Russian diplomatic policy toward Germany, and that a favorable relationship with Germany has always been more preferable to Russian (and Soviet) leaders than a hostile one.; From German, Soviet, and Western diplomatic documents (as well as relevant memoirs, reports, and manuscripts), it is clear that Germany has always been the most important country in Europe to Russia. It is also evident that while a strong Germany blocks Russian as well as Western access to Central Europe, a weak or divided Germany has allowed the West opportunities to influence events in East Central Europe, often excluding Russia. Thus, as this survey shows it is in Russia's vital national interest to have a favorable bilateral relationship with a Germany that looks both east and west in its foreign policy, so that no hostile Western coalition might form in Europe which could curb Russian influence in East Central Europe.; From the time of Peter the Great (and certainly since the unification of Germany under Bismarck in 1871) Germany has been critical to the balance of power between Eastern and Western Europe because of its location and history. Historically, Germany (as well as Prussia and Austria earlier) and Russia have often found it necessary conclude alliances to offset the power of influence of the West, and to control political events in East Central Europe. This dissertation examines those historic tendencies in the hope that certain lessons may be presented for contemporary analysts of Russo-German affairs.