German Polity - 12th Edition by Eric Langenbacher (Paperback)

About the Book

This thoroughly revised and updated edition provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary Germany, one of the world's leading economic and political powers. Tracing the country's transformation since World War II, the author provides an in-depth guide to Germany's curr...

Book Synopsis

This thoroughly revised and updated edition provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary Germany, one of the world's leading economic and political powers. Tracing the country's transformation since World War II, the author provides an in-depth guide to Germany's current institutions, actors, and challenges.

Review Quotes

An update to the most detailed and comprehensive overview of German politics available on the textbook market, covering the Federal Republic's history, society, economics, parties, elections, policy making, multilevel governance, and foreign relations. The new edition thoughtfully considers the pandemic's impact and the challenges that will emerge in the post-Merkel era. A must-read for those who want a complete picture of contemporary Germany!

The Federal Republic of Germany stands on the cusp of the post-Merkel era. Questions abound concerning Angela Merkel's legacy as the country's second-longest-serving chancellor, as well as the future of the European Union's most significant member state. Enter the twelfth edition of The German Polity. Eric Langenbacher provides the deep historical context and the fine-grained analysis of German politics, political economy, and society in clear and engaging prose, making this book a must-read for students and scholars alike looking to understand the Germany of today and tomorrow.

There is a reason this book is in its 12th edition. Its thoroughness makes it not only an obvious text for political science courses on Germany but also an excellent reference for scholars in general. The range of topics on contemporary German politics, about which the book gives a brief but thorough summary, is impressive, covering not only the formal parliamentary structures of government but also its administrative structure; overviews of the history, structure, and stances of the main political parties; local political structures and the roles of interest groups; and overviews of long-term trends in policy and voter behavior. No matter how much one may know about contemporary Germany, there are always points on which one's own knowledge is not comprehensive or completely firm, and a reference book this useful remains welcome, even indispensable. For those needing to go further on a given topic, the book includes an excellent bibliography covering major historical and political science monographs and academic journals as well as websites for governmental agencies, major news media, foundations, and popular culture. Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals.

This new edition appears at a crucial time as the Merkel era, which began in 2005, draws to a close. Langenbacher provides a clear analysis of the various crises Chancellor Merkel has dealt with. In what has been a very successful period, some problems remain. The political cultures of the Eastern and Western parts of Germany have not knit together as quickly as was hoped, and right wing extremism remains a problem in the Eastern half. Perhaps the most profound change in the Merkel years has been the increasing difficulty of forming coalition governments. This is largely a reflection of the increasing number of political parties. The Merkel era also greatly weakened the traditional allies of the Christian Democrats, the Social Democratic Party, and the Free Democratic party. Being coalition partners of Chancellor Merkel proved very damaging for the prospects of other parties as they lost their traditional profiles. The other major problem is in the area of security policy where Germany has found it difficult to live up to the expectations of its allies. Merkel's departure brings a new uncertainty about the manner in which Germany will deal with these challenges. This book provides a uniquely well-informed guide to the available choices.

About the Author

Eric Langenbacher is a teaching professor in the Department of Government at Georgetown University and director of the Society, Culture, and Politics program at the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies in Washington, DC.