Ostpolitik
Proper noun
Meaning
Ostpolitik
The policies of West Germany under Chancellor Willy Brandt, seeking rapprochement with East Germany and the Soviet Union.
Examples
Although anxious to relieve serious hardships for divided families and to reduce friction, Brandt's Ostpolitik was intent on holding to its concept of "two German states in one German nation."
As chancellor, Brandt developed his Neue Ostpolitik (New Eastern Policy).
As chancellor, he maintained West Germany's close alignment with the United States and focused on strengthening European integration in western Europe, while launching the new policy of Ostpolitik aimed at improving relations with Eastern Europe.
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kiesinger's grand coalition cabinet, Brandt helped to gain further international approval for Western Germany, and he laid the foundation stones for his future Neue Ostpolitik.
Despite a very small majority he and Willy Brandt sat by the controversial New Ostpolitik.
Others questioned his Ostpolitik and contacts with Communism and the deals he engaged in for the faithful.