Ostpolitik

American  

[awst-paw-li-teek] / ˈɔst pɔ lɪˌtik /

noun

1. the German policy toward the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, especially the expansionist views of Hitler in the 1930s and the normalization program of the West German government in the 1960s and 1970s.

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Etymology

Origin of Ostpolitik

1960–65; < German: literally Eastern policy

Example Sentences

Economic engagement would also help avoid a confrontation and foster political rapprochement, the parties said, referring to the so-called Ostpolitik policy of opening up to the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

From Reuters • Sep. 6, 2022

The guiding rationale of Ostpolitik was “Wandel durch Handel,” or “change through trade,” and would become a defining pillar of successive Social Democratic-led administrations, including Schröder’s two decades later.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 23, 2022

In reality it was precisely through detente and engagement that the reunification could peacefully happen, and Ferguson’s nonchalant description of Ostpolitik will leave most Cold War historians in dismay.

From Washington Post • Oct. 1, 2015

It was an observation steeped in decades of Ostpolitik, Germany’s policy of détente with Eastern Europe, forged by German Social Democrats like Mr. Steinmeier.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2015

Strategies of engagement have produced results, from Ostpolitik to President Ronald Reagan’s embrace of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

From US News • Jan. 23, 2015