Current problems of Europe

Elites in Germany: Historical changes and aktual challanges

Хоффманн-Ланге У.

Hoffmann-Lange Ursula – Professor of political science in Otto-Friedrich-University of Bamberg, Doctor of political sciences.

Abstract

The article analyzes the impact of social and political change on the development of German elites, their structure and mentality since the early 20th century. Special attention is paid to the unification of Germany in 1990. It was unique, being achieved by the incorporation of the former GDR into the well-established West German democratic order, which resulted in considerable «elite transfer».

Keywords

German elites, еlite change, еlite transfer, Regime change, рolitical class, рrofessionalization of politics, рolitical protest.

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