About the book
Jeffrey Kopstein offers the first comprehensive study of East German economic policy over the course of the state’s forty-year history. Analyzing both the making of economic policy at the national level and the implementation of specific policies on the shop floor, he provides new and essential background to the revolution of 1989. In particular, he shows how decisions made at critical junctures in East Germany’s history led to a pattern of economic decline and worker dissatisfaction that contributed to eventual political collapse. East Germany was generally considered to have the most successful economy in the Eastern Bloc, but Kopstein explores what prevented the country’s leaders from responding effectively to pressing economic problems. He depicts a regime caught between the demands of a disaffected working class whose support was crucial to continued political stability, an intractable bureaucracy, an intolerant but surprisingly weak Soviet patron state, and a harsh international economic climate. Rather than pushing for genuine economic change, the East German Communist Party retreated into what Kopstein calls a 'campaign economy' in which an endless series of production campaigns was used to squeeze greater output from an inherently inefficient economic system.
Originally published in 1996.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Editions of The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807823033
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807857076
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807862599
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890865748
Read an Excerpt
Jeffrey Kopstein offers the first comprehensive study of East German economic policy over the course of the state’s forty-year history. Analyzing both the making of economic policy at the national level and the implementation of specific policies on the shop floor, he provides new and essential background to the revolution of 1989. In particular, he shows how decisions made at critical junctures in East Germany’s history led to a pattern of economic decline and worker dissatisfaction that contributed to eventual political collapse. East Germany was generally considered to have the most successful economy in the Eastern Bloc, but Kopstein explores what prevented the country’s leaders from responding effectively to pressing economic problems. He depicts a regime caught between the demands of a disaffected working class whose support was crucial to continued political stability, an intractable bureaucracy, an intolerant but surprisingly weak Soviet patron state, and a harsh international economic climate. Rather than pushing for genuine economic change, the East German Communist Party retreated into what Kopstein calls a 'campaign economy' in which an endless series of production campaigns was used to squeeze greater output from an inherently inefficient economic system.
Originally published in 1996.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989 about?
Jeffrey Kopstein offers the first comprehensive study of East German economic policy over the course of the state’s forty-year history. Analyzing both the making of economic policy at the national level and the implementation of specific policies on the shop floor, he provides new and essential background to the revolution of 1989. In particular, he shows how decisions made at critical junctures in East Germany’s history led to a pattern of economic decline and worker dissatisfaction that contributed to eventual political collapse. East Germany was generally considered to have the most successful economy in the Eastern Bloc, but Kopstein explores what prevented the country’s leaders from responding effectively to pressing economic problems. He depicts a regime caught between the demands of a disaffected working class whose support was crucial to continued political stability, an intractable bureaucracy, an intolerant but surprisingly weak Soviet patron state, and a harsh international economic climate. Rather than pushing for genuine economic change, the East German Communist Party retreated into what Kopstein calls a 'campaign economy' in which an endless series of production campaigns was used to squeeze greater output from an inherently inefficient economic system.
Originally published in 1996.
A UNC Press Enduring Edition — UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government
Where can I read a sample of The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807823033
How long is The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989 and how many pages does it have?
The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989 has 258 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989?
Jeffrey Kopstein
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989 is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807823033) and paperback(ISBN 9780807857076) and ebook(ISBN 9780807862599) and pdf(ISBN 9798890865748)
Where can I buy The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989 online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989?