Understanding Contemporary Germany

This wide-ranging survey of Europe's largest and most powerful country examines all aspects of post-unification Germany, as well as considering questions relating to German identity. The book adopts an integrated approach, considering society, culture, politics, economics and history. It gives extensive coverage of the Nazi legacy and assesses the stability and normality of the Federal Republic and its position in world affairs. Parkes concludes that the new Germany largely remains a stable and reliable partner in European and world affairs.

Stuart Parkes is Reader in German Literature and Society at the University of Sunderland.