U.S. Military Bases in Germany
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Mentor Information
Dr. Peter N. Funke
Description
After World War 2, the U.S. constructed numerous military bases in western Germany, with the number exceeding 200 during the Cold War. Following the end of the Cold War, most of these military bases would go on to be closed. Today, just over 40 bases remain operational. The presence of these bases, as well as their stationed troops, is a point of contention for many Americans and Germans today. To determine the impact that these military bases have on the German people as well as their importance in the modern era, multiple polls concerning bases were examined. Additionally, it was considered how the war in Ukraine may have altered public perception. The results show that despite some German citizens being against the existence of U.S. military bases, the negative impact is low enough and the benefits are high enough that there is little reason for a mass exodus of troops from the country. This is exemplified when examining polls taken after the Ukraine war, in which support for US military aid increased noticeably. This shows that military cooperation between the two countries is generally viewed as a net positive, especially in times of conflict, and that arguments for the withdrawal of U.S. military personnel are often unfounded.
U.S. Military Bases in Germany
After World War 2, the U.S. constructed numerous military bases in western Germany, with the number exceeding 200 during the Cold War. Following the end of the Cold War, most of these military bases would go on to be closed. Today, just over 40 bases remain operational. The presence of these bases, as well as their stationed troops, is a point of contention for many Americans and Germans today. To determine the impact that these military bases have on the German people as well as their importance in the modern era, multiple polls concerning bases were examined. Additionally, it was considered how the war in Ukraine may have altered public perception. The results show that despite some German citizens being against the existence of U.S. military bases, the negative impact is low enough and the benefits are high enough that there is little reason for a mass exodus of troops from the country. This is exemplified when examining polls taken after the Ukraine war, in which support for US military aid increased noticeably. This shows that military cooperation between the two countries is generally viewed as a net positive, especially in times of conflict, and that arguments for the withdrawal of U.S. military personnel are often unfounded.
