Economic Aspects of German Unification (PDF)

German unification is changing central Europe, the EC and
international economic and political relations. Prosperous
West Germany with its "social market economy" has absorbed
the socialist GDR which is facing a complex systemic
tranformation process. This volume analyzes the causes,
developments, and processes that are associated with German
unification. The merger of the two Germanies provides a
unique laboratory like example of institutional and
economic changes against which established economic theoreis
and economic policy concepts can be tested. German
unification raises, of course, many new questions for Grmany
itself, Europe, and the whole international community. Will
the enlarged Germany become a new economic giant in Europe
and can the FRG maintain stability and prosperity? What
macroeconomic and structural problems are faced by the new
Germany and what are the effects for trade, investment, and
growth in Germany`s partner countries? Will East Germany
catch up with the West and can this process serve as a model
forEastern Europe? What are the views of Poland and the
USSR, and what implications arise for Western Europe and the
United States? Finally, how isthe triangular relationship
between the U.S., the EC, and Japan affected, and how does
this affect the United States` ability to organize economic
cooperation with Japan, Germany, and other leading
economies?