The Berlin Republic and the real end of the post-war era
The Berlin Republic and the real end of the post-war era

Author(s): Piotr Buras
Subject(s): Politics, Governance
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: Berlin; post-war era
Summary/Abstract: In the post-war era, Germany has undergone a deep change almost like clockwork every two decades. In 1949, the foundations were laid for the establishment of the two German states: the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic; 1968–1969 was the time of the student revolt as a harbinger of the democratisation and liberalisation of society; and in 1989–1990, the process of unification took place, with all its consequences. Two decades later, another deep revision of the values is happening, as a consequence of which Germany is bidding a final farewell to the post-war epoch and its inherent certainties: its advancing society, the homogeneous national state and the faith in Europe as a solution to the ‘German question.’ This revision will not be revolutionary. However, as with the previous turning points, Germany is becoming a different state and a different society, which Europe will have to build its relations with anew.

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