When we talk about politics, we’re also talking about the state. It towers over all our lives and moulds our political order, yet also needs re-examination from time to time. What is a state? What does it mean to be its citizen? This book collates writings by some of the most gifted representatives of their respective disciplines. The art historian Horst Bredekamp traces the way in which the pictures – meant literally – of the modern German republic have changed throughout its history. Jürgen Kaube describes the complex relationship between wielders of political power and their advisors, including the counsellors of the current chancellor. Constitutional expert Georg Nolte investigates questions concerning states at war:
What is permitted in the fight against violence and terror? In one of several contributions to this volume, Herfried Münkler explains the need for a new European narrative. President of the German Bundestag Wolfgang Schäuble writes about the relationship between politics and religion in the context of pluralistic societies from the perspective of the day-to-day practicalities of politics.
The current climate of extremism, globalisation and conflict on the world stage necessitates that we take stock of our political realities; this book shows us how democracy can be made ready for the future.
