Number: RL31586
Title: German Elections of 2002: Aftermath and Implications for the United States
Authors: Francis T. Miko, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The most serious immediate fallout from the September 22, 2002 German parliamentary elections may be to U.S. German relations. Some observers are confident that these incidents represent a relatively minor tiff that will soon blow over. Others are less certain about the impact, noting that Chancellor Schroeder's sharp campaign statements condemning U.S. Iraq policy may reflect deeper underlying differences that have accumulated over time. If differences continue to mount, some are concerned that they could begin to erode the foundations of the relationship. The consequences of such a trend could be serious for bilateral relations, the future of the EU, and for NATO.
Pages: 8
Date: Updated September 27, 2002