Peter H. Merkl – författare

The collapse of the Communist regime in East Germany and the subsequent unification of East and West Germany were events of extraordinary historical importance, the ramifications of which will take years to unfold. A leading U.S. expert on West German politics, Peter Merkl, had the good fortune to be a visiting professor at the University of Göttingen in 1990 and was able to witness this incredible transition firsthand. While teaching at the Free University in Berlin in 1991, Merkl enlisted the cooperation of a leading East German expert, Gert-Joachim Glaessner, to contribute a chapter on the GDR. The result is a work that offers a careful and comprehensive account of the process of unification and its implications for the future of European and international politics. Merkl begins by laying out the historical German Question and placing the divided state in the international context of the Cold War and its consequences. He then analyzes the generational differences between Germans over fifty who rallied to the challenge with enthusiasm and the less nationalistic younger generation who feared that the pursuit of unification would preempt such goals as a better life for West Germans and a livable environment. Gert-Joachim Glaessner describes in detail the spectacular unraveling of the East German communist regime that ultimately led to the fall of the Berlin Wall amidst the disintegration of the other Communist regimes, arguing that they did not fall on their own nor as a result of West German or Western initiatives alone. Merkl analyzes the process of political unification, the several elections of the year 1990, and the agreements made between East and West Germany. He also discusses the international objections to German unification and the many obstacles that were and will need to be overcome to make German unity a reality. He examines the attitudes of East and West Germans towards each other and their sense of national identity, the transformation of institutions and constitutions, and the immense problems and expense of rebuilding the East German infrastructure and economy and of privatizing state-owned operations. Finally, he maps out the international significance of the great changes of the post-Wall and post-Communist world that will define the future role of united Germany vis-à-vis Germany's neighbors, the European community, the United States, and the world. The book ends with a glimpse of how Germans envision themselves in the year 2000.

Fifty years after the formation of the Federal Republic and a decade after German unification, we stand on the cusp of a new century and a new millennium of German history. At the same time EMU marks a giant stride towards European integration and the end of the Deutschmark. In this text, international scholars reflect on the dramatic transformations of Germany's past and on Germany's future prospects. Post-war democratic and economic renewal is set in the context of continuing debates about German identity. There are assessments of: all major leaders, parties and ideologies; of the still unfinished agenda of integrating East and West; of how the next generation of German leaders will interact with ageing governmental structures of the Bundesbank and the successes and failures of economic policy, the trade unions and the media; and of Germany's emerging new role in Europe and the world.

Fifty years after the formation of the Federal Republic and a decade after German unification, we stand on the cusp of a new century and a new millennium of German history. At the same time EMU marks a giant stride towards European integration and the end of the Deutschmark. In this text, international scholars reflect on the dramatic transformations of Germany's past and on Germany's future prospects. Post-war democratic and economic renewal is set in the context of continuing debates about German identity. There are assessments of: all major leaders, parties and ideologies; of the still unfinished agenda of integrating East and West; of how the next generation of German leaders will interact with ageing governmental structures of the Bundesbank and the successes and failures of economic policy, the trade unions and the media; and of Germany's emerging new role in Europe and the world.

The cold war may be over, but there is no shortage of enemies in a world beset by resurgent nationalism, ethnic conflict, and economic rivalry. Right-wing extremists from David Duke to Jean-Marie Le Pen know how to exploit the pressure points of race, religion, and culture in a bid to keep the national and international conflict industry cooking. Encounters with the Contemporary Radical Right introduces us to the personalities as well as the systems of rightist repression. It shows, in clearly written and carefully documented essays, how radical right groups have made electoral headway in France, Germany, and Israel while increasingly making headlines in the United States, Great Britain, and other points East and West. The phenomenon is by no means limited to ail skinheads and jackboots; many official governments shelter radical rightism or even sponsor it outright. Reflecting a broad geographical distribution that includes Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the essays in this book lend themselves to comparative analysis on three important dimensions: the historical and intellectual backgrounds of various rightist groups, the way each group fits within the context of social movements theory, and the assessment of relative electoral participation and success. The book goes on to outline both the patterns and peculiarities of radical right action in the settings represented and concludes that it is no accident that the radical right is on the rise internationally, admonishing us of the movement's power without overstating its potential.

This book introduces readers to the personalities as well as the systems of rightist repression. It shows how radical right groups have made electoral headway in France, Germany, and Israel while increasingly making headlines in the United States, Great Britain, and other points East and West.

Political Violence and Terror: Motifs and Motivations offers an in-depth exploration of the complexities of political violence, its origins, and the psychological and sociopolitical factors that drive it. Drawing from interdisciplinary discussions and research conducted by political psychologists, historians, and social scientists, this collection delves into the motivations behind acts of political violence and the structures that sustain violent movements. The book is divided into two parts: the first analyzes established methodologies for studying political violence, including ideological roots, patterns of escalation, and quantitative event analysis; the second focuses on the psychological and social-psychological motivations of individuals involved in violent political organizations. By addressing these dimensions, the volume provides a nuanced understanding of how collective ideologies and individual drivers intersect to fuel violence.The essays traverse a wide range of geographical and historical contexts, from left- and right-wing terrorism in Italy and West Germany to guerrilla movements in Latin America and ethnic conflicts in the Middle East. By juxtaposing case studies, such as the Red Army Faction and ETA, with broader theories of political and social dynamics, the contributors examine the often-conflicting motivations of individual actors and the collective goals of their movements. The volume’s conclusion synthesizes these findings, offering insights into the interplay between personal ideologies, psychological factors, and larger sociopolitical frameworks. Ultimately, Political Violence and Terror serves as both a scholarly resource and a call to further explore the intricate relationships that underpin acts of political violence.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1986.

Political Violence and Terror: Motifs and Motivations offers an in-depth exploration of the complexities of political violence, its origins, and the psychological and sociopolitical factors that drive it. Drawing from interdisciplinary discussions and research conducted by political psychologists, historians, and social scientists, this collection delves into the motivations behind acts of political violence and the structures that sustain violent movements. The book is divided into two parts: the first analyzes established methodologies for studying political violence, including ideological roots, patterns of escalation, and quantitative event analysis; the second focuses on the psychological and social-psychological motivations of individuals involved in violent political organizations. By addressing these dimensions, the volume provides a nuanced understanding of how collective ideologies and individual drivers intersect to fuel violence.The essays traverse a wide range of geographical and historical contexts, from left- and right-wing terrorism in Italy and West Germany to guerrilla movements in Latin America and ethnic conflicts in the Middle East. By juxtaposing case studies, such as the Red Army Faction and ETA, with broader theories of political and social dynamics, the contributors examine the often-conflicting motivations of individual actors and the collective goals of their movements. The volume’s conclusion synthesizes these findings, offering insights into the interplay between personal ideologies, psychological factors, and larger sociopolitical frameworks. Ultimately, Political Violence and Terror serves as both a scholarly resource and a call to further explore the intricate relationships that underpin acts of political violence.This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1986.

Throughout history parties have faltered and new groups have emerged, but rarely has this process been so accelerated, so widespread, and so conducive to dramatic political change as in our present era. When Parties Fail explores alternative organizations in depth and comparatively. Among the organizations discussed are environmentalist groups, such as the West German and Swedish Greens, the Italian Radicals, and local protest groups in Japan, Switzerland, and the United States. Also considered are new groups seeking attention in unresponsive party systems, such as the Danish Gilstrup party, the British SDP, and American PACs; community parties and movements in Israel, India, Britain, and the American South; and antiauthoritarian movements in Poland (Solidarity), Taiwan, and Ghana. The case of France provides an example of major party survival. Three broadly comparative chapters consider the reasons for major party persistence in some nations and the causes and impact of their decline in others. The contributors to the book are David Apter, Myron J. Aronoff, Liang-shing Fan, Frank B. Feigert, Zvi Gitelman, Ronald J. Herring, Jon Kraus, Kay Lawson, Tom Mackie, Peter H.Merkl, Raffaela Y. Nanetti, Angelo Panebianco, Mogens N. Pedersen, Geoffrey Pridham, Peter Pulzer, Richard Rose, Donald Schoonmaker, Frank Sorauf, Robert C. A. Sorensen, Evert Vedung, Hanes Walton, Jr., and Frank L. Wilson. Originally published in 1988. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Going to the active core of the Nazi revolt, this exciting psychological, sociological, and behavioral study is based on unique autobiographical stones supplied by over 500 pre-1933 rank-and-file Nazis. Peter Merkl's findings form the basis for a richer understanding of the political motivation of all extremist movements. Originally published in 1975. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Throughout history parties have faltered and new groups have emerged, but rarely has this process been so accelerated, so widespread, and so conducive to dramatic political change as in our present era. When Parties Fail explores alternative organizations in depth and comparatively. Among the organizations discussed are environmentalist groups, such as the West German and Swedish Greens, the Italian Radicals, and local protest groups in Japan, Switzerland, and the United States. Also considered are new groups seeking attention in unresponsive party systems, such as the Danish Gilstrup party, the British SDP, and American PACs; community parties and movements in Israel, India, Britain, and the American South; and antiauthoritarian movements in Poland (Solidarity), Taiwan, and Ghana. The case of France provides an example of major party survival. Three broadly comparative chapters consider the reasons for major party persistence in some nations and the causes and impact of their decline in others. The contributors to the book are David Apter, Myron J. Aronoff, Liang-shing Fan, Frank B. Feigert, Zvi Gitelman, Ronald J. Herring, Jon Kraus, Kay Lawson, Tom Mackie, Peter H.Merkl, Raffaela Y. Nanetti, Angelo Panebianco, Mogens N. Pedersen, Geoffrey Pridham, Peter Pulzer, Richard Rose, Donald Schoonmaker, Frank Sorauf, Robert C. A. Sorensen, Evert Vedung, Hanes Walton, Jr., and Frank L. Wilson. Originally published in 1988. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Going to the active core of the Nazi revolt, this exciting psychological, sociological, and behavioral study is based on unique autobiographical stones supplied by over 500 pre-1933 rank-and-file Nazis. Peter Merkl's findings form the basis for a richer understanding of the political motivation of all extremist movements. Originally published in 1975. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Most studies of the radical right concentrate on movements in a single country, neglecting to some extent the international dimensions of right-wing extremism. Here, Merkl and Weinberg adopt a comparative perspective, concentrating on the revival of the right across a variety of countries.

Most studies of the radical right concentrate on movements in a single country, neglecting to some extent the international dimensions of right-wing extremism. Here, Merkl and Weinberg adopt a comparative perspective, concentrating on the revival of the right across a variety of countries.

The last five years have brought such extraordinary changes to Germany and Europe as to make the previous forty years of Cold War existence seem deceptively placid and well- ordered by comparison. The collapse of communist rule in East Germany in the midst of massive demonstrations against the Honecker regime in late 1989 were only the beginning. The monumental changes that have taken place since have affected all aspects of German identity, both inside and outside of the now-unified nation. This book tackles the question of just where the new Federal Republic of Germany stands after 45 years and where it appears to be headed. The central concern of this volume is the nation's evolving united--or disunited--sense of identity. This identity, in a constant state of flux, takes many forms: the striking differences between East and West German views; German pacifism and national pride; the role of Germany in the world; the reemergence of radical right groups; and opinions towards foreigners and the right of political asylum. Of central interest to scholars of German and European history and politics, this book is a thorough assessment of Germany in the post-wall era.

The last five years have brought such extraordinary changes to Germany and Europe as to make the previous forty years of Cold War existence seem deceptively placid and well- ordered by comparison. The collapse of communist rule in East Germany in the midst of massive demonstrations against the Honecker regime in late 1989 were only the beginning. The monumental changes that have taken place since have affected all aspects of German identity, both inside and outside of the now-unified nation. This book tackles the question of just where the new Federal Republic of Germany stands after 45 years and where it appears to be headed. The central concern of this volume is the nation's evolving united--or disunited--sense of identity. This identity, in a constant state of flux, takes many forms: the striking differences between East and West German views; German pacifism and national pride; the role of Germany in the world; the reemergence of radical right groups; and opinions towards foreigners and the right of political asylum. Of central interest to scholars of German and European history and politics, this book is a thorough assessment of Germany in the post-wall era.

The last five years have brought such extraordinary changes to Germany and Europe as to make the previous forty years of Cold War existence seem deceptively placid and well- ordered by comparison. The collapse of communist rule in East Germany in the midst of massive demonstrations against the Honecker regime in late 1989 were only the beginning. The monumental changes that have taken place since have affected all aspects of German identity, both inside and outside of the now-unified nation. This book tackles the question of just where the new Federal Republic of Germany stands after 45 years and where it appears to be headed. The central concern of this volume is the nation's evolving united--or disunited--sense of identity. This identity, in a constant state of flux, takes many forms: the striking differences between East and West German views; German pacifism and national pride; the role of Germany in the world; the reemergence of radical right groups; and opinions towards foreigners and the right of political asylum. Of central interest to scholars of German and European history and politics, this book is a thorough assessment of Germany in the post-wall era.

The period since the reunification of Germany has been the most tumultuous since the end of World War II. Uneasy relations between East and West, new immigrants and native Germans, left and right, and labor and business mark this phase of German history. As Kohl's Christian Democrats yield power after sixteen years, Germany's destiny is in a state of flux. The Federal Republic of Germany at Fifty makes sense of these dizzying changes. Twenty-six essays by leading scholars deal with topics such as the role of the Greens, women in the new German intellectual and literary scene, and the effects of political and cultural change on German national identity. Contributors include Christopher J. Anderson, Thomas A. Baylis, Gerard Braunthal, William M. Chandler, Clay Clemens, Kenneth H. F. Dyson, Werner J. Feld, E. Gene Frankland, Arthur B. Gunlicks, M. Donald Hancock, Jutta Helm, Michael G. Huelshoff, Karl H. Kahrs, Gerald R. Kleinfeld, Henry Krisch, Gregg Kvistad, Peter H. Loedel, Joyce M. Mushaben, Helmut Norpoth, Ann L. Phillips, Robert Rohrschneider, Marilyn Rueschemeyer, James Sperling, and Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.The period since the reunification of Germany has been the most tumultuous since the end of World War II. Uneasy relations between East and West, new immigrants and native Germans, left and right, and labor and business mark this phase of German history. As Kohl's Christian Democrats yield power after sixteen years, Germany's destiny is in a state of flux. The Federal Republic of Germany at Fifty makes sense of these dizzying changes. Twenty-six essays by leading scholars deal with topics such as the role of the Greens, women in the new German intellectual and literary scene, and the effects of political and cultural change on German national identity. Contributors include Christopher J. Anderson, Thomas A. Baylis, Gerard Braunthal, William M. Chandler, Clay Clemens, Kenneth H. F. Dyson, Werner J. Feld, E. Gene Frankland, Arthur B. Gunlicks, M. Donald Hancock, Jutta Helm, Michael G. Huelshoff, Karl H. Kahrs, Gerald R. Kleinfeld, Henry Krisch, Gregg Kvistad, Peter H. Loedel, Joyce M. Mushaben, Helmut Norpoth, Ann L. Phillips, Robert Rohrschneider, Marilyn Rueschemeyer, James Sperling, and Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.

The period since the reunification of Germany has been the most tumultuous since the end of World War II. Uneasy relations between East and West, new immigrants and native Germans, left and right, and labor and business mark this phase of German history. As Kohl's Christian Democrats yield power after sixteen years, Germany's destiny is in a state of flux. The Federal Republic of Germany at Fifty makes sense of these dizzying changes. Twenty-six essays by leading scholars deal with topics such as the role of the Greens, women in the new German intellectual and literary scene, and the effects of political and cultural change on German national identity. Contributors include Christopher J. Anderson, Thomas A. Baylis, Gerard Braunthal, William M. Chandler, Clay Clemens, Kenneth H. F. Dyson, Werner J. Feld, E. Gene Frankland, Arthur B. Gunlicks, M. Donald Hancock, Jutta Helm, Michael G. Huelshoff, Karl H. Kahrs, Gerald R. Kleinfeld, Henry Krisch, Gregg Kvistad, Peter H. Loedel, Joyce M. Mushaben, Helmut Norpoth, Ann L. Phillips, Robert Rohrschneider, Marilyn Rueschemeyer, James Sperling, and Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.The period since the reunification of Germany has been the most tumultuous since the end of World War II. Uneasy relations between East and West, new immigrants and native Germans, left and right, and labor and business mark this phase of German history. As Kohl's Christian Democrats yield power after sixteen years, Germany's destiny is in a state of flux. The Federal Republic of Germany at Fifty makes sense of these dizzying changes. Twenty-six essays by leading scholars deal with topics such as the role of the Greens, women in the new German intellectual and literary scene, and the effects of political and cultural change on German national identity. Contributors include Christopher J. Anderson, Thomas A. Baylis, Gerard Braunthal, William M. Chandler, Clay Clemens, Kenneth H. F. Dyson, Werner J. Feld, E. Gene Frankland, Arthur B. Gunlicks, M. Donald Hancock, Jutta Helm, Michael G. Huelshoff, Karl H. Kahrs, Gerald R. Kleinfeld, Henry Krisch, Gregg Kvistad, Peter H. Loedel, Joyce M. Mushaben, Helmut Norpoth, Ann L. Phillips, Robert Rohrschneider, Marilyn Rueschemeyer, James Sperling, and Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.

At the center of this investigation is the great modernization effort of a West German state, Bavaria, in the 1970s and 1980s, by means of a reform of the smaller units of local government. The reforms were meant to abolish all autonomous local governments serving populations of fewer than 3000, thereby reducing the number of local governments in Bavaria from more than 7,000 to less than 2,000. Based on interviews, surveys, and statistical research, this study chronicles fifteen communities and their challenges, developments, and social changes from post-1945 up to the present.While this book explores the decline of the iconic village community, it also reveals the survival of medieval towns in a contemporary world, and despite the modern desire for comprehensive and well-integrated services, there remains a seemingly perennial appeal of small town and village life.

This five-year review of the changing political scene in (West) Germany stresses interpretations and perspectives of sympathetic outside observers. Today's emerging perspectives are seen simultaneously in their domestic, including East-West German, and in their international context, with regard to Germany's role in Europe and the world.