The Official Concept of the Nation in the Former GDR: Theory, Pragmatism and the Search for Legitimacy

by Joanna McKay

Overview

First published in 1998, this volume joined the effort to understand the former German Democratic Republic, with the aim of reaching a better understanding of the psychologically painful process of German reunification following the collapse of East-German communism in 1989. While born illegitimate and artificial, the country determined the lives of millions of people, despite having now disappeared from the map. This study from Joanna McKay incorporates previously unavailable archive material and focuses on some of the most challenging, ever-present tasks for the GDR leaders. In particular, she examines how they approached explaining the division with West Germany without undermining the legitimacy of the GDR.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138338869
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/05/2019
Series:	Routledge Revivals
Pages:	187
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction. 2. The Fight to Preserve the Unity of the German Nation. 3. The Unity of the Nation in Doubt. 4. The ‘Socialist Nation’ in the GDR. 5. The ‘Socialist German Nation’ – From Consolidation to Crisis. 6. Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

A study of one of the most difficult tasks faced by the leadership of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), namely how to explain the division of the former unitary German nation without undermining the legitimacy of the state. Draws on previously unavailable archive material to identify key factors which determined the official concept of the nation throughout the existence of the GDR, and pays particular attention to the input of theorists at state-run academic institutions. No index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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