The new German state that emerged after reunification in October 1990 is Europe's defining power, and the manner in which it evolves will have a profound effect on all other European states. Built on the foundations of the old West German Federal Republic, it is operating today in a changed economic and international environment and there is some doubt as to whether the new Germany will be able to sustain the economic and foreign policies that brought the Federal Republic so much success.

Developments in German Politics 2 provides a wide-ranging analysis of Germany's altered position. It analyzes the key changes in the party and governmental systems that followed unification and gives an account of the emergence of civil society in the East. The impact of German unity on the position of women, and issues of policy and civil rights, are also addressed. The book concludes with an extensive essay on whether Germany can now be considered a 'normal state.'