Born in 1936, Klaus Kinkel is a representative of Germany’s Free Democratic Party (FDP). Among the leaders of that party, Walter Scheel and Hans-Dietrich Genscher may have won greater popularity, but even so, Kinkel also exerted an influence on the liberals’ policy line, primarily by means of the Wiesbaden Declaration. Working closely with Genscher, Kinkel amassed the experience of which he would avail himself in leading the FDP, in holding office as the Federal Minister of Justice and, subsequently, in heading the Federal Foreign Office. With his education as a lawyer, Kinkel demonstrated an adroitness and professionalism in carrying out his duties. He gained no renown for charisma and leadership skills, but neither did he ever become implicated in any scandals.
The article presents Kinkel’s path into politics. As a politician, it was not until 1991 that he decided to become a member of the FDP, despite having worked with Genscher since 1968. Because he was the Federal Minister of Justice during the unification of the two Germanys, he was responsible for the restoration of the rule of law in the Eastern part of the new state. Then, on assuming Genscher’s former duties at the Federal Foreign Office, he pointed to the new role to be played by diplomacy following the collapse of the Cold War.