Electorally successful at home because of the family reunions, Willy Brandt was hailed as a statesman abroad. Despite his history of impeccably opposing fascism, he took on his shoulders the guilt of the Third Reich, for which he apologised throughout Eastern Europe. Famously falling to his knees seeking forgiveness in Warsaw and signing a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union, Brandt was viewed as a heroic champion of peace.
But, with the passage of time, critics multiplied, arguing that his diplomacy strengthened the repressive East German regime, giving it a legitimacy which its citizens never did. In the end, critics claimed, Gorbachev’s reforms which ushered in the end of the Cold War occurred despite Brandt’s Ostpolitik rather than because of it.
This talk assess Brandt's contested legacy.
This lecture is part of the 'European Leaders in the Cold War' lecture series, taking place on Fridays from 18 October to 22 November 2024. You may either register for individual lectures or you may choose to register for the entire lecture series at a reduced price.
Please note: this lecture will close to enrolments at 23:59 UTC on 29 October 2024.