Introduction

Except for the new Russia within its mercurial geopolitical configuration, Germany has more neighbors than any other state in Europe. From its location in the northern middle of the Continent, Germany borders directly on nine countries, and there are many more slightly distant neighbors. The German search for a clear national identity has had, and probably will continue to have, profound implications for several countries that share important cultural traits with Germany. This is especially so in cases of ethnolinguistic affinity, as illustrated in the essays on Austria and Switzerland. The emergence of a powerful, united Germany in 1871 caused misgivings among near and distant neighbors about its role in international affairs. These misgivings were amply confirmed by both world wars. Germany was subjected to strongly punitive treatment at the 1919 Versailles Peace Conference, but allied policies proved incapable of preventing the Nazi disaster.