The question ‘Is unified Germany is a normal state?’ depends naturally on the definition of a ‘normal’ state. The idea of this essay is to find out characteristics of a normal state and compare them to Germany. The first part of this paper will provide an overview of the meaning of statehood, explain various functions a state has to fulfil and give a first classification of states into categories.The main part then compares Germany with each of these characteristics.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition of a state and classification
3. Germany's characteristics of a normal state
4. Conclusion
5. References
Research Objectives and Themes
This case study examines whether post-reunification Germany can be classified as a "normal" state by applying established political science definitions of statehood and state functionality. The core research question addresses whether the criteria defined by Georg Jellinek and Ulrich Schneckener are satisfied by the German state, specifically evaluating its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and its ability to provide security, welfare, and constitutional legitimacy.
- Theoretical definition of statehood according to the three-element doctrine.
- Classification of states (consolidated vs. failing states) based on functional performance.
- Application of sovereignty criteria to the reunified German state post-1990.
- Evaluation of Germany's provision of security, welfare, and constitutional stability.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Definition of a state and classification
According to Georg Jellinek (1914, pp. 394-434) who became known for his three-element doctrine a state needs to fulfill three criteria for being recognized as a state: Firstly, a defined territory meaning the space in which the authority has power to govern. Secondly, a permanent population referring to all humans belonging to the state. They form as a whole the population of this state. Thirdly, a state authority having sovereignty and governing its population.
Ulrich Schneckener (2004, pp. 9-16) expands Jellinek’s definition of a de-facto-statehood by the de jure-statehood. The latter requires a state also to be internationally accepted. De facto states do not necessarily need to be internationally accepted, like Taiwan. Furthermore, not all internationally accepted states exists de facto, such as Somalia. Moreover, Schneckener explains in detail functions a state has to fulfill including security – the task to provide armed forces and police or controlling the state’s territory; welfare – government’s activity in areas of economy, education, health and environment; and not least legitimacy and constitutional state – meaning political participation and stable institutions and the quality of justice and administration.
The above mentioned functions of a state allow Schneckener to classify countries in four different types of statehood: Consolidated or consolidating states are those that fulfill the three functions over a longer period of time. Principally OECD1 countries are considered to be consolidated states.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter provides the historical context of Germany's development in the twentieth century and introduces the research question regarding its status as a "normal" state.
2. Definition of a state and classification: This section presents the theoretical framework, detailing Jellinek's three-element doctrine and Schneckener's classification of state functions and types of statehood.
3. Germany's characteristics of a normal state: This chapter applies the previously defined theoretical criteria to the German state, evaluating its territorial unity, sovereignty, and functional performance.
4. Conclusion: This section summarizes the findings, concluding that Germany qualifies as a consolidated state, while noting the inherent ambiguity of the term "normal".
5. References: This section lists the academic and official sources used to support the analysis throughout the paper.
Keywords
Germany, Statehood, Normal State, Sovereignty, Jellinek, Schneckener, Consolidated States, Three-element doctrine, De-jure statehood, Security, Welfare, Constitutional State, Reunification, Domestic Policy, Political Science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this case study?
The paper explores the concept of statehood to determine if the Federal Republic of Germany can be categorized as a "normal" state in a political science context.
Which theoretical models are used for the analysis?
The study utilizes Georg Jellinek’s three-element doctrine for defining a state and Ulrich Schneckener’s framework for classifying statehood based on functional performance.
What is the primary research question?
The primary question is "Is unified Germany a normal state?", which is investigated by comparing empirical characteristics of Germany against defined statehood requirements.
Which methodologies are employed in the study?
The author uses a qualitative, analytical approach by synthesizing historical context, legal definitions of statehood, and functional performance assessments.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body focuses on the definition of statehood, the classification of states into types (like consolidated states), and the practical application of these criteria to the German state post-1990.
What are the characterizing keywords of the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Statehood, Sovereignty, Consolidated States, Jellinek, Schneckener, and Constitutional State.
How does the author define a "consolidated state"?
According to the text, a consolidated state is one that successfully fulfills key functions such as security, welfare, and legitimacy over a long period of time, with OECD countries being primary examples.
What is the significance of the "Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany" in this study?
The treaty is highlighted as the legal basis for Germany's full sovereignty and international recognition as a de-jure state following the reunification process.
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- Milena Luke (Autor), 2016, Is unified Germany a normal state?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/444521
