Review by Choice Review
This timely book on the unification of Germany traces developments prior to that event in chronological fashion and addresses the following problems, inter alia: the consequences of 40 years of communism for East German political culture; the confusions arising out of the collapse of the Soviet Union and its satellite system; and the delicate relations between East and West Germans. There is a detailed discussion of the first free all-German elections, and the authors also deal with the relations of Germany with its neighbors, both in the context of NATO and the EC. They engage in interesting speculations about whether the "new Germany" will be democratic, whether it will be too powerful, and whether it will be a stabilizing or destabilizing force in Europe. The authors appear perhaps too optimistic about the "generational change" in Germany and about that country's "prudent monetary management" and responsible economic behavior (especially in view of its high interest rates). The apprehensions of Germany's neighbors, and the institutional consequences of unification are not given enough attention. But these are minor shortcomings. The book is coherent, clearly written, and well documented. Recommended for undergraduates and general readers. W. Safran; University of Colorado at Boulder
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
