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Abstract

Germany was a divided country for nearly 50 years. Split into two vastly ideologically, politically and socially different states. Re-unification came quickly and rapidly, and while the system of the West virtually stayed the same, East Germany lost its political institutions, ideology and identity. How does such a unique, but recent history affect the voting behaviour of people in unified Germany today? How much does the process of transition, reforming, eradicating of political institutions leave its mark on citizens' political preferences, attitudes to democracy and participation? These are the questions that this dissertation will examine and attempt to find an answer to. It looks at voter turnout in individual states, highlights exceptions in this and puts the data into perspective. It does this by giving context to the research by examining Germany’s history with particular focus on the transition period during and after the unification process. It utilizes the theory of transitional justice to explain the process of transitioning from an autocracy to a democracy, but also to examine its impact. This helps readers understand the importance these historical events still have politically but also socially on Germany today. Its findings are that there is clear evidence that the division of Germany still affects voting behaviour today but that this is also a reflection of economic inequalities.

Course: International Relations and Politics - BA (Hons) - C0694

Date Deposited: 2021-03-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13684.html