The Democratic Transition of Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic and their Successor States, with Particular Focus on the Geopolitical Framework after 1989

Master's Thesis , 2014 , 123 Pages , Grade: 2,0

Earth Science / Geography - Geopolitics

In 1989-1990 the communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe collapsed, opening up the road to democracy, came about by means of mass demonstrations, the first of which took place in Plauen (GDR) on 7 October 1989. Only a few months later, no-one could be sure how the world would develop. The so-called ‘voice’ was followed by ‘exit’ in the German Democratic Republic – and the Czechoslovakians were close to the events taking place in the embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Prague. The end of the autocratic system was followed by the process of democratisation, characterised by upheavals and the restructuring of political conditions. Free and independent elections marked the end of democratisation in both the German Democratic Republic and Czechoslovakia. The consolidation period was determined by the dissolution of both of the aforementioned countries. The author’s focus was on economic consolidation, as well as on political consolidation with regard to regional integration by means of the countries’ membership of international organisations and regional and sub-regional bodies. Finally, a comparison has been made of the German Democratic Republic, Czechoslovakia and their successor states.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• INTRODUCTION.
• Object of Research.
• Problem Statement.
• State of Research.
• Structure.
• Methodology.
• DEFINITIONS.
• Regionalism.
• Region.
• Transition.
• THE TRANSITION OF THE GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC.
• The End of the Autocratic System.
• Notice of Electoral Fraud.
• 'Exit' from Prague, Budapest and Warsaw: Mass Departures, Escapes - and the Externalisation of the Transition.
• 'Voice': The 'Peaceful Revolution' of October/November 1989.
• Economic Crisis.
• Changes in the International Political Framework.
• Loss of International Financial Aid Scheme.
• The Democratisation Process.
• The Beginning of Democratisation.
• Further Process of Democratisation.
• The End of the Democratisation Process.
• External Elements of the Democratisation Process and Germany's Reunification.
• The Role of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• The International Dimension of Germany's Reunification.
• The Consolidation of Democracy.
• The Socio-Economic Consolidation.
• Economic, Monetary and Social Union: Exchange of Currency and Trust Agency.
• A Comparison between Unemployment in East and West Germany.
• Domestic Migration between East and West Germany.
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• Inflation.
• Conclusion.
• The Political Consolidation.
• Two Plus Four Negotiations.
• Coming to Terms with the Stasi Past and Official Transfer to one Federal Republic of Germany.
• International Community.
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• European Union/European Community.
• THE TRANSITION OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA.
• The End of the Autocratic System.
• 'Voice' instead of 'Exit': The Velvet Revolution'.
• Opposition Movements.
• The Democratisation Process.
• The Beginning of Democratisation.
• Further Process of Democratisation.
• The End of the Democratisation Process.
• The Consolidation of Democracy.
• The Socio-Economic Consolidation.
• The Political Consolidation.
• Dissolution of Czechoslovakia.
• The Czech and Slovak Republics Return to Europe and to the International Community.
• COMPARISON.

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This master thesis examines the democratic transition of Czechoslovakia and the German Democratic Republic, analyzing the geopolitical framework that shaped their evolution after 1989. The focus is on the processes of democratisation and consolidation, including economic and political aspects, as well as the role of regional and international organizations.

• The collapse of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe and the emergence of democratic transitions.
• The impact of geopolitical factors, including the role of international organizations like NATO and the European Union.
• The processes of democratisation and consolidation in both countries, encompassing economic and political dimensions.
• The dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the emergence of the Czech and Slovak Republics.
• A comparative analysis of the transitions in Czechoslovakia and the German Democratic Republic.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter outlines the object of research, problem statement, state of research, structure, and methodology of the thesis. It sets the context for the study and defines key concepts.
• Definitions: This chapter provides definitions for key terms like regionalism, region, and transition. It clarifies the theoretical framework of the thesis and defines its scope.
• The Transition of the German Democratic Republic: This chapter examines the end of the autocratic system in East Germany, focusing on the 'Peaceful Revolution' of 1989, the economic crisis, and the changes in the international political framework. It also analyzes the process of democratisation, including the role of the Federal Republic of Germany and the international dimension of German reunification. Finally, the chapter explores the consolidation of democracy in East Germany, including the socio-economic and political aspects.
• The Transition of Czechoslovakia: This chapter analyzes the end of the autocratic system in Czechoslovakia, focusing on the 'Velvet Revolution' and the role of opposition movements. It examines the process of democratisation and the subsequent consolidation of democracy, including the socio-economic and political aspects. It also discusses the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the emergence of the Czech and Slovak Republics.
• Comparison: This chapter provides a comparison of the transitions in Czechoslovakia and the German Democratic Republic, highlighting similarities and differences in their respective paths to democracy.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key words and focus topics of this thesis include the Federal Republic of Germany, German Democratic Republic, Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, regionalism, NATO, European Union, international organisations, and transition. These terms encapsulate the primary themes and concepts of the study, including the geopolitical context, the processes of democratisation and consolidation, and the role of international organizations in the transitions of these countries.

• College: Charles University in Prague
• Course: Geopolitik
• Grade: 2,0
• Author: B.A. Eric Holtschke (Author)
• Publication Year: 2014
• Pages: 123
• Catalog Number: V286699
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656872030
• ISBN (Book): 9783656872047
• Language: English
• Tags: Federal Republic of Germany, German Democratic Republic, Czechoslovakia, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, regionalism, NATO, European Union, international organisations, transition