From East Germans to Germans?

The New Postcommunist Elites

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, Foreign Legal Systems, Government, Communism & Socialism
Cover of the book From East Germans to Germans? by Jennifer A. Yoder, Duke University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jennifer A. Yoder ISBN: 9780822396826
Publisher: Duke University Press Publication: June 1, 2012
Imprint: Duke University Press Books Language: English
Author: Jennifer A. Yoder
ISBN: 9780822396826
Publisher: Duke University Press
Publication: June 1, 2012
Imprint: Duke University Press Books
Language: English

In 1990 Germany launched an experiment to transplant democracy into a formerly communist country, effectively dismantling the system of the German Democratic Republic and rebuilding it in the likeness of the democratic Federal Republic of Germany. From East Germans to Germans? examines the role of the first generation of democratically elected political elites in the former GDR’s transition to democracy.
Although the quick transplant of a ready-made democratic system supported by West German financial backing and expertise provided benefits, problems arose for the development of postcommunist political leadership and for the growth of mass support for the democratic system. Jennifer A. Yoder analyzes the implications of the transition process for democratic legitimation and integration. Based on field research in East Germany that included interviews with parliamentarians, her study addresses issues such as culture, identity, and the lack of continuity between the old and new political elites. Although the availability of West German role models, together with pressure to conform, allowed the process of decommunization to occur much faster than elsewhere in Eastern Europe, the cultural differences between east and west are more extensive and complex than previously assumed. Unification has also been followed by a reinvigoration of regional interests. Yoder shows how some political elites have adopted western German patterns, while others openly criticize many of the practices and policies originating in Bonn and present themselves as democratic alternatives and advocates for East German interests in the new Germany. Indeed, for many East Germans, these new regional elites are regarded as the only representatives of their interests in the western-dominated political system.
Providing insight into elite-building at a time of transition and a valuable alternative to the “institutions versus culture” debate found in traditional analyses of political change, this book will interest political scientists and students and scholars of European politics and German studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1990 Germany launched an experiment to transplant democracy into a formerly communist country, effectively dismantling the system of the German Democratic Republic and rebuilding it in the likeness of the democratic Federal Republic of Germany. From East Germans to Germans? examines the role of the first generation of democratically elected political elites in the former GDR’s transition to democracy.
Although the quick transplant of a ready-made democratic system supported by West German financial backing and expertise provided benefits, problems arose for the development of postcommunist political leadership and for the growth of mass support for the democratic system. Jennifer A. Yoder analyzes the implications of the transition process for democratic legitimation and integration. Based on field research in East Germany that included interviews with parliamentarians, her study addresses issues such as culture, identity, and the lack of continuity between the old and new political elites. Although the availability of West German role models, together with pressure to conform, allowed the process of decommunization to occur much faster than elsewhere in Eastern Europe, the cultural differences between east and west are more extensive and complex than previously assumed. Unification has also been followed by a reinvigoration of regional interests. Yoder shows how some political elites have adopted western German patterns, while others openly criticize many of the practices and policies originating in Bonn and present themselves as democratic alternatives and advocates for East German interests in the new Germany. Indeed, for many East Germans, these new regional elites are regarded as the only representatives of their interests in the western-dominated political system.
Providing insight into elite-building at a time of transition and a valuable alternative to the “institutions versus culture” debate found in traditional analyses of political change, this book will interest political scientists and students and scholars of European politics and German studies.

More books from Duke University Press

Cover of the book The Times Were Strange and Stirring by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book The Postmodernism Debate in Latin America by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book The Invention of Capitalism by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book The Bastille by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book Second World, Second Sex by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book Lamb at the Altar by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book City of Extremes by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book B Jenkins by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book Birds of Fire by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book The Female Complaint by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book A Narrative of Events, since the First of August, 1834, by James Williams, an Apprenticed Labourer in Jamaica by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book The Color of Modernity by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book Energy without Conscience by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book Wandering Paysanos by Jennifer A. Yoder
Cover of the book The Fragility of Things by Jennifer A. Yoder
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy