Governing Germany - William Paterson

The political history of Germany is a story of discontinuity and fragmentation, culminating in the replacement of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic by a new unified Germany in 1990.

Governing Germany offers an account of the German political system and its institutions within the context of this volatile history, providing a detailed consideration of the constitutional, executive and legislative dimensions of politics in Germany and taking particular account of the federal nature of the German system, with its tension between centralization and decentralization. The authors also offer a timely view of Germany's role within the EC and NATO at a time of great change and uncertainty in the international arena, suggesting that economic success is the driving force of the political system while foreign policy remains the most serious problem facing the state.

Comprehensive, authoritative and up–to–date, this book provides all students of German politics and history with an indispensable text.

William E. Paterson is Salvesen Professor of European Institutions at the University of Edinburgh and author of several books and numerous articles on German politics.

David Southern, formerly Lecturer in Politics at the University of Kent, now works in the legal section of Lloyd's Bank.

"The book provides an extensive coverage of the subject ... an excellent text for college or university courses on Germany, but should also be of interest to the general reader on at least two scores. It is a mine of information and analysis about Europe's key state. Southern's chapters .... should be obligatory reading for all those interested in reforming the British constitution." Jonathan Story, Journal of Common Market Studies

"This most timely textbook on the modern German polity ... has stolen a march on competitors by including a unification dimension and it is to be very positively welcomed as an accomplished and up–to–date treatment... the volume is robustly authoritative and it will be a standard reference work. Deserving of a key place in reference lists, it will measurably deepen the serious student's command of the subject ... well produced and ... reasonably priced." West European Politics

"An excellent book; a first class analysis, a definitive reading list, and well structured 'user friendly' organisation of material." West European Politics