The Features of Strengthening of German Military Potential by Adenauer and Merkel

The article notes special role of military power factor in foreign policy of Prussian state and then German one. The paper also notes consistent willingness of FRG since period of Bonner Republic to strengthen its influence and increase its role. This movement has been becoming the most distinct during the modern period. Based on the crossing of these tendencies the article sets the question about the importance of factor of military power (and the evolution of the forms of its development and usage) for German foreign policy. The scientific paper tries to find the answer based on exploration of German military potential during of Konrad Adenauer`s and Angela Merkel`s eras when this process had been becoming special importance and rapidness. The article explores Adenauer`s measures aimed at shunning of German critics in re­militarization during period of full­scale Bundeswehr growing. These measures are: formula of ,,dissolving,, of Bundeswehr in allied military structures (first of all NATO), the concept of ,,strategic containment,, and limitation of the number of military formations. The article explores the evolution of these elements of German strategic culture by the beginning of Merkel`s era and during this period. In this regard the paper pays special attention to Bundeswehr usage outside NATO`s area of responsibility. The research compares the features of Bundeswehr usage in NATO military groups, the direction and dynamics Bundeswehr growing during Adenauer`s and Merkel`s rules. The article concludes about the degree of succession between the lines of two Chancellors in the sphere of armed forces building.