Learning Democracy Democratic and Economic Values in Unified Germany [Hardcover]

Germany's unification initially raised fears about an all-powerful and undemocratic Germany at the heart of Europe. Based on hundreds of in-depth interviews, this book examines the democratic views of parliamentarians in Germany and compares them to the views of ordinary citizens. The book argues that although the majority of Germans support democratic values, especially in western Germany, there is significant evidence for lingering authoritarianism in the East. More than just an analysis of German political culture, the book offers compelling conclusions about the future of democracy in all post-socialist states.

1. Introduction
2. Charting the Inquiry
3. Institutional Learning in Germany
4. Research design
5. Democratic Ideals
6. Political Tolerance
7. Pluralism
8. Economic Values
9. The Sources of Institutional Support
10. Conclusion

This convincing study of German political values demonstrates the enduring influence of institutional setting....Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, researchers, and faculty. -Choice

The Strain of Representationmakes a major contribution to the important and rapidly growing field: democratic representation. Using new studies of political parties in East and West Europe, the book identifies the political alignments in contemporary party systems, the policy attitudes of citizens, mechanisms of electoral competition for parties, and ultimately the complex relationship between parties and their voters. In a world of growing political complexity, this book provides an insightful demonstration of how the model of party government still functions effectively in European democracies. -Russell J. Dalton, University of California, Irvine

Robert Rohrschneider is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Indiana University.