The Politics of Bavaria – An Exception to the Rule: The Special Position of the Free State of Bavaria in the New Germany

by Peter James

The Free State of Bavaria constitutes a special case, worthy of special study, within the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany. Dr James explains how and why Bavaria’s political system and its main party, the Christian Social Union, play a unique role in German politics, so often proving to be an exception to the rule. In doing so, this book pursues two main aims. Firstly it sets out to break new ground by presenting for the first time in the English language comprehensive material on both the historical perspective and the most recent factors which have influenced the politics of Bavaria. Until now much of this material has been available only in German. Secondly, this book also breaks new ground by updating the reader’s knowledge on Bavaria, dealing with the new developments since the death of Bavaria’s most dynamic postwar politician, Franz Josef Strauß, in 1988, and the changes since German Unity in 1990, including the important elections in 1994. The book combines a historical approach with an up-to-date appraisal of Bavaria’s position in the New Germany. The author draws the conclusion that Bavaria, having suffered a double blow in 1988 and 1990, is now beginning to recover its former position in the German federal system. The book is written in such a way that it will be of interest to political scientists, economists, sociologists and academics from other disciplines, as well as the more general reader with an interest in Germany.

232 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1995

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