Germany Divided: From the Wall to Reunification

In this penetrating study, based partly on his personal contacts with politicians and political advisers of the former East and West Germanys, McAdams discusses how the leaders of both countries pursued the ideal of unification, then accepted the reality of division, and how they are currently dealing with the challenges presented by the unexpected reunification. These challenges, the author contends, are twofold: to convince the citizens of the former German Democratic Republic of their inclusion in the institutions of the new Germany, while at the same time persuading the citizens of the old Federal Republic that they are not being victimized by the sudden burdens arising from unification. McAdams also addresses regional fears that the new Germany may withdraw from active participation in European affairs as it turns inward to cope with escalating problems, such as the influx of refugees. McAdams, an associate professor of government and international relations at Notre Dame, has written a notable analysis of the two Germanys and how they became one. (Feb.)