This paper examines the degree to which the Green Party remains an effective voice for environmental and related progressive concerns in a unified Germany.
This paper examines the extent to which German political parties and especially the Greens have, since reunification and increasingly so during the past five years, become increasingly less radical and increasingly more institutionalized. This paper also asks to what extent this process of institutionalization of the party has been more or less effective as an advocate for sound environmental policy on both local and national levels.
Introduction
Literature Review: A Populist Movement
First Fruits of Electoral Success
Specific Challenges for the German Greens
Chapter Three: Methodology
Chapter Four: Results of the Study
Chapter Five: Conclusions
Works Cited
Introduction
Literature Review: A Populist Movement
First Fruits of Electoral Success
Specific Challenges for the German Greens
Chapter Three: Methodology
Chapter Four: Results of the Study
Chapter Five: Conclusions
Works Cited
“For Americans, the image of the Green Party is one that is at least a little on the fringe: Conservatives tend to think of the Greens as being a group of tree-hugging alfalfa-sprout munching brainless do-gooders while liberals are most likely to remember the Green Party candidacy of Ralph Nader in 2000 that many believe cost the Democratic Party the White House. But in Germany’s parliamentary system, the Green Party has found a more welcome home. It has been able to forward environmental causes for a number of years. However, as this paper explores, its ability to serve as the voice of progressive causes has been blunted to some extent since reunification as the party has shifted rightwards.”