This book contributes to the debate about a new German power in Europe with an analysis of Germany's role in European Russia policy. It provides an up-to-date account of Germany's "Ostpolitik" and how Germany has influenced EU-Russia relations since the Eastern enlargement in 2004 - partly along, partly against the interests and preferences of new member states. The volume combines a rich empirical analysis of Russia policy with a theory-based perspective on Germany's power and influence in the EU. The findings demonstrate that despite Germany's central role, exercising power within the EU is dependent on legitimacy and acceptance by other member states.

Liana Fix is a historian and political scientist. In her work, she focuses on German foreign policy, Russia and Eastern Europe as well as European security and has published widely in academia, think tanks and national and international media. She completed a doctorate degree at the Justus Liebig University Giessen and a Master's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science.