The impact of a ready‐made state: East Germans in comparative perspective

To understand the impact of reunification upon Germans, we must make before and after comparisons across time, and also across central Europe. The first section shows that from the perspective of comparative Communist regimes, east Germans have been doubly advantaged, in former times because of belonging to a relatively prosperous part of the Soviet bloc and since reunification as subjects of a ‘ready‐made state’ with democracy and a wealthy social market economy. Analysis in the second section of the impact of reunification on west Germans shows that a significant proportion feel less satisfied than before, whereas the opposite is the case for east Germans. The third section introduces comparisons with Austria. Like the Federal Republic, it has enjoyed the advantages of democracy and a market economy, but without the trauma of division and reunification.     

Tools for co‐operation with the international community

Looking at processes of engagement between international actors in the Industrialised North, notably the G8 and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).     

McCarran's legacy: The association for Asian studies

Abstract

Historians have played an important role in modern America. While the chorus in Sigmund Romberg's musical The Student Prince bellows, “History's a mystery,” off the wooden stage and in the world of concrete and asphalt where we live our lives, historical knowledge is something other than mystery. It has been and is a major force in shaping our self-images and expectations. It can be a potent weapon for manipulating society or for resisting manipulation, and its power has been recognized by the American establishment.