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In 1990 Germany launched an experiment to transplant democracy into a formerly communist country, effectively dismantling the system of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and rebuilding it in the likeness of the democratic Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). From East Germans to Germans? examines ...

In 1990 Germany launched an experiment to transplant democracy into a formerly communist country, effectively dismantling the system of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and rebuilding it in the likeness of the democratic Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). 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 there were benefits from the quick transplant of a ready-made democratic system supported by West German financial backing and expertise, there were also problems 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 this process for democratic legitimation and integration. Based on field research in the former East Germany that included interviews with both parliamentarians and common citizens, 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. Yoder shows how Unification has been followed by a reinvigoration of regional interests and how, while some political elites have adopted western German patterns, others openly criticize many of the practices and policies originating in Bonn and present themselves as democratic alternatives and advocates for eastern German interests in the new Germany. Shedescribes how for many eastern 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 transit

Hamilton provides an interdisciplinary explication and assessment of Marxism, of Marxist revisionism, and of Leninism, and delineates the major propositions of the three theories. Because the propositions cover a wide range of subjects, including the growth of cities and large factories, the ...

Hamilton provides an interdisciplinary explication and assessment of Marxism, of Marxist revisionism, and of Leninism, and delineates the major propositions of the three theories. Because the propositions cover a wide range of subjects, including the growth of cities and large factories, the changing quality of work, declining real incomes, economic crises, working-class organizations, and revolutions, Hamilton assesses them from the viewpoints of urban and industrial sociology, economic and political history, and social movements. Hamilton concludes that little empirical support is found for the claims of Marxism and Leninism, while modest support is found for the revisionist claims. Where other texts fail to provide serious reviews of evidence or references to critical studies or to relevant appropriate sources, this book remedies those deficiencies in a brief, clear, and thoroughly documented format.

This volume provides an up-to-date account of how the process of economic transition in Eastern Europe is unfolding from the point of view of Eastern European economists assessing their native economies. The authors have personally experienced the frustrations of the previous Stalinist system of ...

This volume provides an up-to-date account of how the process of economic transition in Eastern Europe is unfolding from the point of view of Eastern European economists assessing their native economies. The authors have personally experienced the frustrations of the previous Stalinist system of central planning and public ownership, as well as the difficulties and pitfalls of designing new systems based on markets and private ownership. The book focuses on the three countries of Eastern Europe leading the reform efforts--Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland--and points out similarities and differences in their reform strategies.