Hans-Dietrich Genscher was a German statesman and a member of the liberal Free Democratic Party, who served as the minister of the Interior from 1969 to 1974, and as the minister of Foreign Affairs and the vice-chancellor of West Germany/Germany from 1974 to 1992, making him the longest-serving occupant of either post and the only person, holding one of these posts under two different Chancellors of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1991 he was chairman of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
A proponent of Realpolitik, Genscher has been called "a master of diplomacy." He is widely regarded as having been a principal "architect of German reunification." In 1991, he played a pivotal role in international diplomacy surrounding the breakup of Yugoslavia by successfully pushing for international recognition of Croatia, Slovenia and other republics declaring independence, in an effort to halt "a trend towards a Greater Serbia." After leaving office, he worked as a lawyer and international consultant.