The Politics of the New Germany

'This thematic treatment of contemporary Germany fills a much-needed gap in the student-oriented literature. The authors have succeeded in producing a fascinating and highly accessible account of all the key issues facing Germany today, making this book a 'must read' for any undergraduate student of German and European Studies.' - Professor Paul Cooke, University of Leeds, UK

'The Politics of the New Germany strikes a perfect balance between the historical origins and evolution of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, the process and consequences of unification, and the future trajectory a united Germany. Unlike many texts on German politics, the authors do not restrict their analysis to the domestic political and economic system, but instead present fully developed chapters on Germany's role in the European Union and Atlantic Alliance that successfully establishes the critical linkages between domestic politics and foreign policy. The three themes tying the book together---reconciliation, consensus, and transformation and adaptation---provide an accessible framework for students and faculty alike. The authors join this thematic consistency with a uniformly crisp and clear writing style throughout. There is no better introductory textbook on German politics available today.' - Professor James Sperling, University of Akron, USA

'It is about time an up-to-date textbook on German politics came out. Thankfully it is this one. The authors are a formidable team and have performed a fine balancing act well: making sure there is enough historical context to make sense of the peculiarities of German politics, while also organising the material under headings that connect with wider themes in comparative politics. The illustrative material is helpful, the writing excellent throughout, and the structure engaging. The thematic approach - on economic management, welfare reform, the EU, foreign policy - is used well to exemplify issues raised about the wider setting of German politics, its institutional structures and party system. There is no doubt that this book shoots straight to the top of the recommendation list for my students.' - Professor Charlie Jeffery, University of Edinburgh, UK

Recommended. All readership levels. - CHOICE, October 2008 Vol. 46 No. 02

A glossary of key terms in German and English, numerous tables, `boxes' that offer detailed information on specific points addressed in the study, discussion questions and a bibliography at the end of each chapter make the text a useful tool for the classroom or independent study. Students-non-German and German alike-who are interested in an overview of European politics in the framework of German history and politics are certain to profit from this textbook. --David James Prickett, Journal of Contemporary European Studies, volume 18, No 2, 2010