Status and the Federal Republic of Germany: an international exception?

ABSTRACT An avoidance of overt status-seeking behaviour contrasts the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) with many other states. Does the FRG desire international status? Is it substantially different? This article contends that the FRG appreciates status and acquired it through economic and civil achievement, and relatively subtle diplomatic and political means. It does not engage in blatant status pursuit nor ostentatiously impress that which it has. Yet there are rarer examples of more robust status defence, lending insight into an evolving national persona. The article explores the status concept and variations in status as a political motivation. It then examines the FRG in general and specific contexts: sport, the goal of a permanent UNSC seat, and bilateral relations with the USA.