The collapse of communism at the end of the 1980s was one of the most important occurrence in the 20th century. In only a few months – starting with the institutional compromises in Poland and Hungary and the non-violent revolutions in the GDR and ČSSR - the Soviet-led East European statesystem and later the Soviet Union as well, dispersed in a way and with such rapidy, nobody in the “West” and “East” believed to be possible. Real self-determination of the satellite states or indepenence of the former Soviet Republics and changes in the political and economic system were the consequences. At the highest historic level, the world´s geopolitical order changed dramatically, because the devision into two fields of interest was brought to an end and with it the Cold War. From a European perspective, after the downfall of the “Iron Curtain” the opportunity was opened to fulfill the idea of a European Community, also in a much wider sense, and for Germany the over 40 year lasting existence of two states was repealed with the reunification.
In the following passage of the main part I will try to explain why in Poland an institutional compromise was achieved, whereas in East Germany a non-violent revolution broke out. With references to Poland, we can speak of an institutional compromise because the “impetus for change came from the elite, which undertook negotiations with the opposition over the shape of the new institutions”, while in East Germany a revolution took place because “the impetus for change came directly from the mobilization of a broad-based opposition engaged in non-accepted means of mass collective action; the result was systematic change in both the political and the socioeconimoc system”.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
II. Method
III. Theoretical Discussion
IV. A Comparative Analysis of Poland and East Germany
4.1. Political Opportunity Structure: The Gorbachev Factor in Connection to a Framing Analysis
V. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explain the divergent outcomes of the 1989 political changes in Poland and East Germany by analyzing why one state transitioned through an institutional compromise while the other experienced a non-violent revolution. Using the macro-causal "Method of Difference," the research investigates how differing political opportunity structures and framing processes—specifically influenced by the "Gorbachev factor"—shaped the behavior of both ruling elites and the general population.
- Comparative analysis of institutional compromise versus non-violent revolution.
- Application of political opportunity structure and framing theory to 1989 events.
- The influence of Gorbachev's reform policies on satellite state stability.
- The role of mass mobilization and elite negotiation in political transition.
- The impact of shifting public perception on regime legitimacy.
Excerpt from the Book
A Comparative Analysis of Poland and East Germany
As I said before Gorbachev’s election in 1985 and the following reforms had far-reaching consequencen for the states in Eastern Europe. He was elected of the Politburo in the first place because of the deep economic crisis in the Soviet Union, which called for an unorthodox and reform-oriented general secretary. With the fundamental reforms of “glasnost” (transparency) and “perestroika” (transformation) – which were for example expressed in loosening of ideological restrictions and censorships, multiple canditate election and changes in political structures, economy and bureaucracy - he tried to oppose economic problems and inserted therefore a indirect pressure on the regimes of the satellite staates to follow these reforms as well. But he did not oblige the countries to do so, he rather let them decide freely, therefore his political acting must be interpreted as passive. Of special meaning was also the abolision of the so called “Brezhnev doctrine”, as he assured the states of the Eastern bloc their independence with regard to questions of domestic politics and especially the renunciation to intervene militarily.
In the following passage I will refer to the particular governments in order to show how they acted in the 1980s, how the opening opportunities - that occurred since Gorbatchev’s election – functioned as an influencing factor, which strategy the governments chose and also how it was perceived by the population and influenced their behaviour. The continuing economic crisis has to be seen as the starting point for both governments as well as the failed reforms to end this problems, that led to a further reaching lack of legitimacy among the population.
Summary of Chapters
I. Introduction: Outlines the historical context of the collapse of communism in the late 1980s and introduces the research problem comparing the institutional outcomes in Poland and East Germany.
II. Method: Defines the use of the "Method of Difference" as a macro-causal analytical tool to explain divergent political outcomes in similar structural environments.
III. Theoretical Discussion: Introduces the theoretical framework, combining political opportunity structure and framing analysis to bridge structural and agency-oriented perspectives.
IV. A Comparative Analysis of Poland and East Germany: Examines the specific impacts of the "Gorbachev factor" on Polish and East German regimes, analyzing how elite strategies and public reactions differed.
4.1. Political Opportunity Structure: The Gorbachev Factor in Connection to a Framing Analysis: Details how the perception of Gorbachev’s reforms acted as a catalyst for political mobilization in the GDR and negotiated change in Poland.
V. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that the divergence was rooted in how each government handled the closing or opening of political opportunities under the influence of Moscow.
Keywords
1989, Communism, Poland, East Germany, GDR, Gorbachev, Perestroika, Glasnost, Political Opportunity Structure, Framing Analysis, Institutional Compromise, Non-violent Revolution, Solidarność, SED, Political Legitimacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the collapse of communist regimes in 1989, specifically comparing why Poland achieved an institutional compromise while East Germany underwent a non-violent revolution.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
Central themes include the impact of Soviet reforms under Gorbachev, the role of political opportunity structures, framing processes of social movements, and the legitimacy crisis of socialist regimes.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to identify the crucial variables that led to different political outcomes in two similar East European states during the late 1980s.
Which scientific method is employed?
The author uses the "Method of Difference," a comparative macro-causal analysis developed by John Stuart Mill, to identify why different outcomes occurred in similar contexts.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It covers the theoretical background of political opportunity structures, the specific "Gorbachev factor," and a comparative analysis of how the Polish and East German governments reacted to internal and external pressures.
Which keywords characterize this analysis?
Key terms include political opportunity structure, framing analysis, Gorbachev factor, institutional compromise, non-violent revolution, and the legitimacy of communist regimes.
How did the "Gorbachev factor" specifically affect East Germany compared to Poland?
In Poland, the Gorbachev factor facilitated an environment where the elite could engage in negotiated reforms, whereas in East Germany, the leadership's refusal to accept these reforms created a "closing opportunity structure" that fueled mass revolt.
Why did the East German population ultimately revolt?
The population, seeing that the regime would not implement reforms like those in other Soviet-bloc countries and noting the erosion of the party's legitimacy, utilized the hope for change as a frame to challenge the SED's power.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stefan Lochner (Autor:in), 2004, Why Revolt? A Comparative Analysis of Poland and East Germany in 1989, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/180362
