Publisher's Synopsis
Dealing with a watershed in recent European history and politics, Uniting Germany combines a discussion of popular attitudes and actions with an analysis of high politics and international relations. Analyzing how historical and economic fears, expectations and ambitions together with social, psychological and political factors affected ordinary people, elites and national leaders, the author explores their complex interdependence. He examines the gap between the mood and situation there and BonnÆs policies and the international reactions. Discussing the role of the leading players, he portrays the impact of Helmut KohlÆs actions, Mikhail Gorbachev's economic and financial needs, George Bush's efforts to maintain US influence in Europe and Margaret ThatcherÆs and Franþois MitterandÆs struggle to sustain parity with Germany. Although its focus remains on the German issue, the book thus integrates it with broader European and East-West concerns about European unity and security. - -
