Embracing Democracy in Modern Germany: Political Citizenship and Participation, 1871-2000

The traditional stereotype of Germans as authoritarian and subservient has faded, as they have become (mostly) model democrats. This book examines 130 years of history to comprehensively address the central questions of German democratization, including how and why it occurred, what it has meant to various Germans, and how stable it is. Recent surges of support for 'populism and 'authoritarianism are inherent in long-standing contestations about democracy and political citizenship, argues Michael L. Hughes, and democracy cannot be a story of adversity overcome that culminates in a happy ending.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 312 pages
\n Publication date: 28 January 2021
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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The traditional perception of Germans as authoritarian and submissive has gradually dissipated throughout the modern era, as they have transitioned into (mostly) exemplary democracies. This comprehensive book delves into a 130-year history to examine the core aspects of German democratization. It seeks to answer the fundamental questions: How and why did this process unfold? What has democracy meant to different segments of the German population? And how stable is their democracy, or indeed that of any nation? By examining six German regimes across thirteen decades, this study provides valuable insights into the factors that have influenced the political engagement of certain Germans, the diverse range of conceptions of political culture and democracy they have held, and the interactions among various factors that have either facilitated or hindered democracy at different junctures.

Moreover, Michael L. Hughes emphasizes that the recent surges of support for "populism" and "authoritarianism" are not spontaneous occurrences but rather rooted in longstanding contests over democracy and political citizenship. He argues that democracy, whether in Germany or elsewhere, cannot be portrayed as a linear journey culminating in a satisfying conclusion. Rather, it is an ongoing, open-ended process whose ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

Through his meticulous analysis, Hughes sheds light on the complex dynamics that have shaped German democracy and its evolution over the past century and a half. He challenges the notion that democracy is merely a means to an end and emphasizes that it is a continuous process that requires ongoing efforts and engagement from all stakeholders. This book is a valuable contribution to the study of democracy and political development, offering insights that will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and individuals passionate about understanding the complexities of democratic societies.

\n Weight: 628g\n
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781350153752\n \n