Germany and the use of force: still a 'civilian power'?

Germany's military participation in the Kosovo War against Serbia represents an evolution but not a fundamental departure in its post-war security policy as a 'civilian power'. The decision to join the air strikes even in the absence of a mandate by the UN Security Council was motivated by considerations which have long been central to Germany's foreign-policy role concept. As a result of the Kosovo experience, Germany now is moving towards restructuring its armed forces to make them smaller, more professional and more capable of intervening in crises beyond traditional NATO contingencies. But the shift will probably be slow and messy. Germany's future role in ESDP therefore is likely to be paradoxical: while providing strong political support for further advances in European security and defence integration, Germany's military contribution may continue to fall short of expectations.