|
East Germany National Security
THE NATIONAL SECURITY problem for the German Democratic Republic
(East Germany) is unique among all the countries of the world.
From the establishment of the Soviet Zone of Occupation in the
aftermath of Nazi Germany's capitulation in 1945 to the formation
of the republic in 1949, its internal and external security was
wholly in the hands of the Soviet occupation forces. Although the
situation has changed significantly since 1949, the Group of
Soviet Forces in Germany (GSFG) is the guarantor of East German
security against external and, ultimately, internal threats. East
Germany's substantial armed forces are overshadowed by the
presence in their homeland of the powerful Soviet force. The GSFG
is vastly superior to the East German forces in numbers and
equipment, and a scenario in which the home forces might act
independently is difficult to imagine. Internal security is in
the hands of the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of
State Security, but in this area also the Soviets would very
likely intervene if they determined that local forces needed
assistance.
East Germany's principal external security problem during its
first twenty-five years was hesitancy on the part of the rest of
the world to perceive it as a legitimate, sovereign state. The
principal internal threat was caused by traditional economic,
cultural, familial, and historical ties with its larger and
richer sister state, the Federal Republic of Germany (West
Germany).
Political events of the 1970s, such as formal recognition by
the United States, the signing of the Basic Treaty between the
Germanies, and admission to the United Nations, indicated that
the external problem had been largely resolved. The relationship
with West Germany, however, has remained an issue, and new
challenges emerged in the 1980s. East Germany sought to
strengthen its position as the Soviets' chief ally, expand its
role in the Third World, increase the militarization of all
aspects of society, and cope with a rising crime
rate--particularly among young people--and persistent signs of
disaffection and dissent. How the East Germans successfully
solved some problems and sought to deal with others is best
understood by tracing the historical development of their
national security.
Data as of July 1987
|
