Die Aussenpolitik der DDR

Die Aussenpolitik der DDR, by J. Scholtyseck (Munich: Oldenbourg, 2003; pp. 176. Eur 19.80). Unlike the notorious Third Reich, the German Democratic Republic (DDR), ‘East Germany’, is rapidly fading from the popular memory at least outside of the former GDR. Despite all the efforts of the ruling SED, it never was well-known in most parts of the world. Apart from the necessity for any state to conduct normal diplomatic relations with other states, the SED-run republic had two other key reasons for seeking such relations. It had to convince the Soviet Union of its value, especially by acting as a surrogate for Moscow. Secondly, it needed to convince its own people of its legitimacy. International recognition was a tool to achieve these aims. According to the author, Stalin's aim in 1945 was to build up a state in his zone which would be so attractive to the Germans that

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