Publication

In the post-war era, Germany has undergone major changes every two decades. In 1949, the two German states were established. The student revolts of 1968–1969 ushered in social democratization and liberalization. In 1989–1990, German unification took place. Now, two decades later, a major revision in values is taking place – i.e., Germany is bidding a final farewell to “inherent certainties” such as an advancing society, the homogeneous national state and the faith in Europe as a solution to the “German question.” As this commentary shows, Germany is fast becoming a different state and a different society; a society which Europe will have to build a new relationship with.