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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definition of a state and classification
- Germany's characteristics of a normal state
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates whether unified Germany can be classified as a 'normal' state. It aims to achieve this by first defining the characteristics of a state and then comparing these characteristics to Germany's situation. The paper examines Germany's development from the twentieth century, highlighting its historical transitions and the impact of unification in 1990.
- The definition and functions of a state
- The classification of states based on their fulfillment of state functions
- Germany's adherence to the characteristics of a 'normal' state according to existing definitions
- Germany's post-unification status as a consolidated state
- The ambiguity and potential subjectivity associated with the term "normal" in relation to states
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides a historical background of Germany's political and societal changes in the 20th century, emphasizing its transitions from the Kaiserreich to the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, the Cold War division, and finally, reunification in 1990. It introduces the question of whether unified Germany qualifies as a 'normal' state, outlining the paper's approach to address this question by examining the characteristics of a state and comparing them to Germany.
- Definition of a state and classification: This chapter defines the concept of statehood based on Georg Jellinek's three-element doctrine, which includes a defined territory, a permanent population, and a state authority with sovereignty. It expands upon Jellinek's definition by incorporating Ulrich Schneckener's concept of de-jure-statehood, requiring international recognition. Schneckener further emphasizes key functions of a state, including security, welfare, and legitimacy, which he uses to categorize states into four types: consolidated, weak, failing, and failed states.
- Germany's characteristics of a normal state: This chapter examines Germany's fulfillment of the characteristics defined in the previous chapter, highlighting its defined territory, permanent population, and sovereignty following reunification. It also discusses Germany's adherence to Schneckener's additional characteristics, including its de-jure statehood, security provision, welfare programs, and adherence to the rule of law.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts explored in this paper include statehood, sovereignty, territory, population, security, welfare, legitimacy, consolidated state, de-jure state, de-facto state, unified Germany, and the German Basic Law.
- Citation du texte
- Milena Luke (Auteur), 2016, Is unified Germany a normal state?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/444521
