East Germany: Transformation to a Social Market: Opportunities and Risks

Abstract

In spite of the many uncertainties, the reforms launched in many countries of so-called “really existing socialism” are indisputedly the only way to overcome the profound and protracted crises in economy and society. The reform strategies applied must more or less reflect this basic situation. The speed and development of real changes largely depend on it. Therefore reform strategies decide the success or failure of those political groups who undertake the reform process and originate the reform concepts.