German Reunification A Multinational History [Hardcover]

This book provides a multinational history of German reunification based on empirical work by leading scholars.

The reunification of Germany in 1989-90 was one of the most unexpected and momentous events of the twentieth century. Embedded within the wider process of the end of the Cold War, it contributed decisively to the dramatic changes that followed: the end of the division of Europe, the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, the origins of NATOs eastward expansion and, not least, the creation of the European Union. Based on the wealth of evidence that has become available from many countries involved, and relying on the most recent historiography, this collection takes into account the complex interaction of multinational processes that were instrumental in shaping German reunification in the pivotal years 1989-90. The volume brings together renowned international scholars whose recent works, based on their research in multiple languages and sources, have contributed significantly to the history of the end of the Cold War and of German reunification. The resulting volume represents an important contribution to our knowledge and understanding of a significant chapter in recent history.

This book will be of much interest to students of German politics, Cold war history, international and multinational history and IR in general.

Introduction: On the Politics of History, the Making of Deals, and the Way the Old Becomes the New, Fr?d?ric Bozo, Andreas R?dder, and Mary Elise Sarotte

Part I: The Two Germanies and Unification

1. The Revolution in Germany: The End of the SED Dictatorship, East German Society and Reunification, Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk

2. Transferring a Civil Revolution into High Politics: The West German Drive for Unification and the New European Order, Andreas R?dder

Part II: SuperpolsH