Dr. Patrick James will present his research entitled “Complexity and cross-boundary effects in security: Britain and the Unification of Germany, 1989-1990.”

This study, co-authored by Jarrod Hayes of Georgia Tech University, focuses on Britain and the unification of Germany in 1989-90. It assesses British perceptions of the process of reunification. The key concepts used to account for British perceptions are multidirectionality and anticipated reaction. The concept of multidirectionality conveys how domestic politics in one state can impact directly on domestic politics in another. Anticipated reaction pertains to the possibility that (in)action on the part of one actor can be explained by expected consequences. Each of these concepts is deemed especially worthwhile in connection to gauging the role of domestic politics in the domain of security.

To demonstrate the viability of multidirectionality and anticipated reaction for providing analytical purchase in security studies, they examine the case of the British response to German unification. The argument unfolds in five additional stages. First, they will discuss the concepts of multidirectionality and anticipated reactions. The second stage focuses on case selection. Third, constructions of domestic politics in the FRG, GDR, USSR and UK are reviewed from the standpoint of a primary source – the above-noted published documents from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) – supplemented by secondary material. A summary analysis of the findings about the role of domestic politics in the process of unification comes fourth. Fifth, and finally, the conclusion sums up the contributions of this study and suggests directions for further research.