In view of the upcoming German elections in 2009, the seminar will look at new social and cultural trends in Germany, explore which factors particularly influence the German political landscape and discuss the emergence of new political parties competing during the 2009 election campaign. The seminar will discuss how the German reunification, the European Union and globalization have affected Germany´s social structure, its politics, its political culture, and the emergence of new parties; how these political parties respond to the changing social trends in Germany and the new demands on the political administration; and which long-term effects a changed party landscape may have on the democratic and social welfare system in Germany.

Applications must be made through the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (http://www.cies.org/award_book/award2009/award/Ful9251.htm).