Peace and Security by Means of Arms Limitations — Six Imperatives of the German Grundgesetz to Orient Defense Policy towards its Consequences

Dieter S. Lutz
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Dieter S. Lutz: University of Hamburg

Journal of Peace Research, 1977, vol. 14, issue 2, 129-144

Abstract: One of the imperatives binding the state's defense measures is the quest for peace in the Grundgesetz, especially as it is expressed in Articles 24-26, directed against any form of abstract endangerment of peace. The logic of these imperatives, intending to avoid all mea sures which might infringe upon peace, implies that the FRG is obliged to renounce every armament measure, insofar as defensive character of an arms system is not beyond doubt.Moreover, we must keep in mind that it is not the German citizen, but man and his rights in general, who forms the focus of the Grundgesetz, insofar as there is a concept of peace, in positive terms, unequivocally underlying the Grundgesetz. Consequently, mea sures of defense against an external attack may never have the effect of retaliation. The parti cipation of the FRG in the system of deterrence is thus inhibited by the extent that she would have to threaten to retaliate upon potential external enemies to maintain her 'credibility'.

Date: 1977
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:joupea:v:14:y:1977:i:2:p:129-144

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