description Manfred Wörner Overview
Manfred Wörner was a German politician and diplomat who served as NATO secretary general from 1988 until his death in office in August 1994. Before joining NATO, he was West Germany's federal minister of defence from 1982 to 1988. His NATO tenure covered the end of the Cold War, German reunification, the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, and the alliance's early efforts to redefine its security role in post-Cold War Europe.
help Manfred Wörner FAQ
What role did Manfred Wörner play in international politics?
Manfred Wörner was a German politician and diplomat who served as the Secretary General of NATO from 1988 until his death in 1994. His tenure coincided with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the massive geopolitical shifts of the end of the Cold War.
What political office did Manfred Wörner hold in Germany?
Before his appointment to NATO, Wörner served as West Germany's federal minister of defence for six years under Chancellor Helmut Kohl. He held this domestic political office from 1982 until he was appointed to the international role in 1988.
When did Manfred Wörner die?
Manfred Wörner died in office on August 13, 1994, after a long public battle with cancer. He was the first NATO Secretary General to pass away while still actively holding the prestigious position.
What major historical events occurred during Wörner's time at NATO?
Wörner oversaw NATO during the peaceful resolution of the Cold War and the subsequent reunification of Germany in 1990. He also forcefully guided the alliance through its difficult early debates about intervening in the brutal Yugoslav Wars.
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