The unification of Germany raises hopes for Germany's remergence as an equal and normal nation in global affairs but raises concerns over a new assertiveness that seems to reflect the specters of Germany's past. Germany's tremendous challenges, however, force it to define its national interests in the post-cold war era. Germany may become Europe's dominant power in economics and other matters and therefore will have interests that sometimes diverge from those of its allies. That is part of Germany's return to normality as a coequal member of the international community. What is called a new assertiveness actually serves to promote united Germany's national interests in a changed world.
