Justice, Solidarity, Subsidiarity: The Demise of East German Communism

Abstract

Sees East Germany as an important case study of an ideologically dogmatic bureaucracy which ignored people′s deep‐seated ethical norms and values. The principles of solidarity, subsidiarity and justice were insufficiently exercised. The political leadership failed to recognize and understand the degree of people′s resignation and frustration, being out of touch with socioeconomic reality. Hence it programmed false decision making and inefficiencies into a system which was held together by an excessive police apparatus, repression, corruption and propaganda. As a result, the East German system imploded under its own irrationality, induced by an almost complete loss of confidence in the ruling party and the government. Addresses primarily ethical rather than economic issues which successfully challenged the East German state.

Citation

Karsten, S.G. (1993), "Justice, Solidarity, Subsidiarity: The Demise of East German Communism", International Journal of Social Economics, Vol. 20 No. 5/6/7, pp. 44-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000000525