Abstract
This article examines the debate over West German defense policy from several perspectives. It first traces the evolution of the increased internal and external pressures for West German rearmament. It next addresses whether calls for increased defense spending are justified, given current FRG expenditures. Lastly, it analyzes the unique West German economic and political constraints that limit the FRG's ability to assume a greater military role in NATO. While economic constraints are not a decisive barrier to greater military spending, the domestic political climate and the West German view that security encompasses more than military security represent the greatest obstacles to increased defense spending.
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