J. Holscher – författare

This book provides a comprehensive understanding of Germany''s economic performance at the turn of the twenty-first century. The period under observation and analysis stretches from Germany''s unification in 1990 over the death of the German Mark to first experiences with the Euro, with particular attention given to East Germany.

This timely collection presents an authoritative overview of one of the three key currencies of the second half of the twentieth century, the German Mark. In his keynote essays, Charles A.E.Goodhart reflects on the future of the Euro against the background of the success story of the Deutsche Mark. His main concern is, whether fiscal policy in Euroland will be ready for action in case of an economic downturn. He also wonders whether the European Central Bank will be the same safeguard against inflation as the Bundesbank was. On the same issue of stability orientation Hans Tietmeyer reviews the fifty years lifetime of the German Mark pointing out that the Bundesbank will continue to have a say within the European Central Bank. In particular he emphasizes the vital part of the Deutsche Mark as cornerstone of the so-called Social Market Economy in postwar Germany. The volume will be of great interest to academics and practitioners alike.

This book takes a macroeconomic approach to the issue of transformation from communist economies into market economies. At the centre of the analysis stands the role of the state and the definition within a dramatically changing environment. Particular emphasis is given to the emerging role of money and the financial sector.