DOCSLIB.ORG

Antisemitic Anti-Zionism Within the German Left—Die Linke

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Antisemitic Anti-Zionism Within the German Left—Die Linke Antisemitic Anti-Zionism Within the German Left—Die Linke Sebastian Voigt* 1. INTRODUCTION This essay analyzes the antisemitic anti-Zionism of the radical left in Germany and focuses mainly on the far left party Die Linke.1 For several years, Die Linke has played an increasingly large role within the German political spectrum. The party was founded in 2007 as a result of the fusion of two other parties: the successor of the Eastern German Communist Party (SED) and the Election Alternative for Social Justice (WASG), a group of disgruntled social democrats and labor unionists who had split from the moderate left-wing Social Democratic Party (SPD). Currently, Die Linke is a hodgepodge of differ- ent, sometimes contradictory political ideologies ranging from orthodox Stalinists to moderate reformers. The evolution and composition of the party is thus hard to predict. Still, one thing is certain: Die Linke has become a major player in German politics and has a strong influence on the European left in general. In Germany’s last parliamentary elections in 2009, it gained 12 percent of the vote. In addition, it is the fourth strongest party in the Bundestag—Germany’s federal parliament. Several of its members hold seats in the European Parliament. At the present, it is the most important party in the Euro- pean Left, an association of leftist parties in the European Union.2 Die Linke is repre- sented in 13 of Germany’s 16 state parliaments and is part of the governing coalitions in two states, including Berlin. In elections held during the past two years, Die Linke in- creased its share of the vote to 28 percent in the Eastern states of Germany (former GDR) and to an impressive 20 percent in some Western parts of Germany. This information is crucial to understanding the relevance of the following analysis. 2. OVERVIEW OF KEY DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE GERMAN LEFT SINCE REUNIFICATION: THE EMERGENCE OF A LEFTIST PRO-ISRAEL POSITION Recently, a small but audible segment of the German left has started to consider criti- cism of antisemitism—and equally of anti-Zionism and anti-Americanism—as central to * Simon Dubnow Institute for Jewish History and Culture at the University of Leipzig. I wish to thank Ursula Duba for helping me with the subtleties of the English language. 1 See the English version of the homepage of Die Linke, available at: <http://die-linke.de/ politik/international/english_pages> (last visited September 30, 2010). See also Dan Hough, Michael Koss and Jonathan Olsen, The Left Party in Contemporary German Politics (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007). 2 See: <http://www.european-left.org> (last visited September 30, 2010). 335 Charles Asher Small (ed.), Global Antisemitism: A Crisis of Modernity. © 2013 Koninklijke Brill NV. ISBN 978 90 04 21457 6. 336 SEBASTIAN VOIGT the renewal of a progressive view of modern society. This includes support of Israel, which is in direct opposition to the position of the mainstream left.3 The emergence of a pro-Israel left is connected to developments in German society since reunification in 1990. The debate within the left should be regarded as a result of the profound political changes that took place at this time. Reunification was seen by many leftists as a reversal of the outcome of the Second World War. The reunification of Germany coincided with a wave of pogroms and racist attacks against foreigners, asylum seekers, and Jews. This led to fears of a “Fourth Reich” and the re-emergence of German imperialism. In retrospect, these fears were completely unfounded. Neverthe- less, they were a direct consequence of a decisive rupture in German and European history. The decline of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War caused the world view of many leftists to collapse, even if they had never supported Soviet-style commu- nism. The apparent victory of capitalism and of liberal democracy turned the established ideology of leftist thinking on its head and caused a fundamental disorientation. At the time, a debate about the history of the left and its mistakes slowly started to emerge, and a small segment of the German left began to deal self-critically with anti- Zionism, anti-imperialism, and its relationship with the State of Israel. Several leftist magazines even supported the second Gulf War in 1990-1991.4 More members of the left supported the war against the Taliban after 9/11, and some unexpectedly supported the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship in Iraq in 2003.5 3. THE BAK SHALOM GROUP These changes within left-leaning groups did not fundamentally affect Die Linke until 2007, when a group called BAK Shalom was founded with the purpose of exposing and combating antisemitism, anti-Zionism, anti-Americanism, and what was described as regressive anticapitalism within Die Linke.6 3 On this trend, see the recent article by Jeffrey Herf, “Fresh Air in Central Europe,” The New Republic (August 2010). The article is available online at: <http://www.tnr.com/blog/foreign- policy/77228/fresh-air-in-central-europe> (last visited September 29, 2010). A good summary of the historical genesis of this pro-Israel leftist position can be found in an interview with the Austrian researcher and Stop-the-Bomb activist Stephan Grigat: “Communism, anti-German criticism and Israel. An interview with Stephan Grigat by Jens Misera,” first published in Israel Nachrichten (the German daily newspaper in Tel Aviv) in 2004, first published in English at: <http://info.interactivist. net> in 2005, available at: <http://www.cafecritique.priv.at/interviewIN. html> (last visited Septem- ber 29, 2010). 4 The most important leftist magazine at this time was (and still is) konkret, which featured a long and difficult debate about the Second Gulf War. Some authors supported the war, which led to the loss of half the readership. See the homepage of konkret at: <http://www.konkret-verlage.de/ kvv/kvv.php> (last visited September 29, 2010). There was also an extensive debate in the left in general. See, for example, Klaus Schönberger and Claus Köstler, Der freie Westen, der vernünftige Krieg, seine linken Liebhaber und ihr okzidentaler Rassismus oder wie die Herrschaft der neuen Weltordnung in den Köpfen begann (Grafenau: Trotzdem-Verlag, 1992). 5 The most important book on this discussion is Jihad und Judenhass by Matthias Küntzel. The book was also translated into English. See Matthias Küntzel, Jihad and Jew-Hatred: Islamism, Nazism, and the Roots of 9/11 (New York: Telos Press Publishing, 2007). 6 See the English version of the declaration of principles by BAK Shalom, available at: <http:// bak-shalom.de/index.php/english> (last visited September 29, 2010). .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Baden-Württemberg/ India
    Consulate General of India Munich ***** General and Bilateral Brief- Baden-Württemberg/ India Baden-Württemberg located in Germany’s Southwest side, lies at the very heart of Europe and shares borders with two other European countries – France, Switzerland and three German States – Rhineland Palatinate, Hesse and Bavaria. In terms of both its area and population size, Baden- Württemberg is the third biggest among the 16 German States. The state population is 11 million. It is the third largest in Germany after North-Rhine Westphalia (17.93 million) and Bavaria (13.07 million) and is larger than individual population of 15 as many as other member states of the EU. (For more detail: Annexure – 1 & 2). Salient Features of Baden-Württemberg Geography: Baden-Württemberg with an area of 35,751 sqkm is characterized by a distinct landscape. In the West, the scenery is characterized by the Black Forest and the Rhine Plain, in the South by Lake Constance and the ridge of the Alps, in the East by the Swabian Alb hills, and in the North by the Hohenloh plain and the uplands of the Kraichgau region. Forest makes up around 40 per cent of Baden-Württemberg’s total area. People: The people of Baden-Württemberg are known for their innovative spirit and industriousness which largely compensates them for lack of natural resources in BW. Their skills and expertise, commitment to industry, science, education, culture have transformed South west Germany into one of the world’s most successful regions. The total foreign population of Baden-Württemberg is over 1.6 million (11%), making Baden- Württemberg one of the most immigrant-rich of Germany’s flatland states.
    [Show full text]
  • Germany: Baffled Hegemon Constanze Stelzenmüller
    POLICY BRIEF Germany: Baffled hegemon Constanze Stelzenmüller Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany has transformed into a hegemonic power in Europe, but recent global upheaval will test the country’s leadership and the strength of its democracy. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY are challenging Europe’s cohesion aggressively, as does the Trump administration’s “America First” The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 turned reunified policy. The impact of this on Germany is stark. No Germany into Europe’s hegemon. But with signs of country in Europe is affected so dramatically by this a major global downturn on the horizon, Germany new systemic competition. Far from being a “shaper again finds itself at the fulcrum of great power nation,” Germany risks being shaped: by events, competition and ideological struggle in Europe. And competitors, challengers, and adversaries. German democracy is being challenged as never before, by internal and external adversaries. Germany’s options are limited. It needs to preserve Europe’s vulnerable ecosystem in its own The greatest political challenge to liberal democracy enlightened self-interest. It will have to compromise within Germany today is the Alternative für on some issues (defense expenditures, trade Deutschland (Alternative for Germany, or AfD), the surpluses, energy policy). But it will also have to first far-right party in the country’s postwar history push back against Russian or Chinese interference, to be represented in all states and in the federal and make common cause with fellow liberal legislature. While it polls nationally at 12 percent, its democracies. With regard to Trump’s America, disruptive impact has been real.
    [Show full text]
  • Saxony: Landscapes/Rivers and Lakes/Climate
    Freistaat Sachsen State Chancellery Message and Greeting ................................................................................................................................................. 2 State and People Delightful Saxony: Landscapes/Rivers and Lakes/Climate ......................................................................................... 5 The Saxons – A people unto themselves: Spatial distribution/Population structure/Religion .......................... 7 The Sorbs – Much more than folklore ............................................................................................................ 11 Then and Now Saxony makes history: From early days to the modern era ..................................................................................... 13 Tabular Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 17 Constitution and Legislature Saxony in fine constitutional shape: Saxony as Free State/Constitution/Coat of arms/Flag/Anthem ....................... 21 Saxony’s strong forces: State assembly/Political parties/Associations/Civic commitment ..................................... 23 Administrations and Politics Saxony’s lean administration: Prime minister, ministries/State administration/ State budget/Local government/E-government/Simplification of the law ............................................................................... 29 Saxony in Europe and in the world: Federalism/Europe/International
    [Show full text]
  • Federalism in Germany, Italy, and the European Union: History, Characteristics, and Perspectives
    Journal for Markets and Ethics/Zeitschrift für Marktwirtschaft und Ethik • 6(1) • 2018 DOI: 10.2478/jome-2018-0034 Journal for Markets and Ethics/Zeitschrift für Marktwirtschaft und Ethik Federalism in Germany, Italy, and the European Union: History, Characteristics, and Perspectives Beate Jochimsen* Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR), German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Berlin, Germany Received January 30 2018; Accepted February 18 2018 Abstract: Federalism is always torn between the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity. Defining the federal structure of a country by finding the welfare-maximizing amount and design of government layers is challenging. Thereby, the financial endowment of different layers of government which they need to fulfill their respective tasks is an important aspect. European countries have chosen quite different federal designs to address the question of an optimal degree of fiscal decentralization. The aim of this paper is to analyze these different approaches for Germany, Italy, and the European Union. Parallels can be found in that all the three entities share a form of institutional asymmetry, a kind of fiscal bailout system, and a sort of fiscal equalization scheme. Keywords: Federalism • Germany • Italy • Europe JEL-Classification: H77 • P51 • O52 • N43 European countries have chosen quite different 1. Introduction federal designs to address the question of an optimal Identifying the sources of individual well-being has degree of fiscal decentralization. Germany, Italy, and been a major challenge in social sciences for many the European Union (EU), for example, are all struc- years. To what extent federal institutions support life tured more or less in a federal, i.e., decentral, way.
    [Show full text]
  • Monitoring of Pseudorabies in Wild Boar of Germany—A Spatiotemporal Analysis
    pathogens Article Monitoring of Pseudorabies in Wild Boar of Germany—A Spatiotemporal Analysis Nicolai Denzin 1, Franz J. Conraths 1 , Thomas C. Mettenleiter 2 , Conrad M. Freuling 3 and Thomas Müller 3,* 1 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Nicolai.Denzin@fli.de (N.D.); Franz.Conraths@fli.de (F.J.C.) 2 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Thomas.Mettenleiter@fli.de 3 Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Conrad.Freuling@fli.de * Correspondence: Thomas.Mueller@fli.de; Tel.: +49-38351-71659 Received: 16 March 2020; Accepted: 8 April 2020; Published: 10 April 2020 Abstract: To evaluate recent developments regarding the epidemiological situation of pseudorabies virus (PRV) infections in wild boar populations in Germany, nationwide serological monitoring was conducted between 2010 and 2015. During this period, a total of 108,748 sera from wild boars were tested for the presence of PRV-specific antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The overall PRV seroprevalence was estimated at 12.09% for Germany. A significant increase in seroprevalence was observed in recent years indicating both a further spatial spread and strong disease dynamics. For spatiotemporal analysis, data from 1985 to 2009 from previous studies were incorporated. The analysis revealed that PRV infections in wild boar were endemic in all German federal states; the affected area covers at least 48.5% of the German territory. There were marked differences in seroprevalence at district levels as well as in the relative risk (RR) of infection of wild boar throughout Germany.
    [Show full text]
  • TR2010/0136.01-01/001- Technical Assistance for Improved Strategic
    National Programme for Turkey 2010 under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey TR2010/0136.01-01/001- Technical Assistance for Improved Strategic Management Capacity Germany Country Report 30/01/2015 1 Table of Contents Page 1. General Information 4 1.1. Sources and Aims 4 1.2. Structural Aspects of the German State 4 1.3. Area and Population 7 1.4. GDP and Financial and Budgetary Situation 10 1.5. Main Economic and Commercial Characteristics 12 2. Government and Public Administration of the Federal Level 15 2.1. Federal Constitutional Structure (head of state, head of government, parliament, judiciary) 15 2.2. Central Bodies (chancellor, ministers) 16 2.3. Public Administration 17 2.3.1. Public Administration: employees 17 2.3.2. Public Administration: assessment and training 19 2.4. Reforms to the Structure of Government (past, in progress, planned) 22 3. Four Examples of Länder/Federal States (according to size, history, economic structure and geographic direction) 26 3.1. Baden-Württemberg - General Structure 28 3.1.1. Government and Public Administration 28 3.1.2. Reforms 30 3.2. Brandenburg - General Structure 32 3.2.1. Government and Public Administration 32 3.2.2. Reforms 33 3.3. Lower Saxony - General Structure 34 3.3.1. Government and Public Administration 35 3.3.2. Reforms 36 3.4. Saarland - General Structure 38 3.4.1. Government and Public Administration 38 3.4.2. Reforms 39 4. Strategic Planning and Public Budgeting 41 4.1.
    [Show full text]
  • GERMAN GREENS in COALITION GOVERNMENTS a Political Analysis
    GERMAN GREENS IN COALITION GOVERNMENTS A Political Analysis by Arne Jungjohann 1 GERMAN GREENS IN COALITION GOVERNMENTS A Political Analysis A Political Analysis A Political German Greens in Coalition Governments German Greens in Coalition Governments A Political Analysis By Arne Jungjohann Published by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union English version published with the support of the Green European Foundation About the author CONTENTS Arne Jungjohann is an energy analyst and political scientist. He advises foundations, think tanks, and civil society in communication and strategy building for climate and energy policy. Previously, he worked for Minister President Winfried Kretschmann of Baden-Württemberg, the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Washington DC, in the German Bundestag, and in the family owned business. As its editor he launched the most influential English Twitter account on the German Energiewende (@ EnergiewendeGER). He co-authored ‘Energy Democracy: Germany’s Energiewende to Renewables’ Foreword 7 (Palgrave Macmillan 2016). Arne is a member of the Green Academy, a network with leading thinkers Foreword by the author 9 from science, politics and civil society which is facilitated by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung. He is the founder of the local chapter of the German Green Party in Washington DC and lives in Stuttgart. He studied at Philipps University Marburg and at the Free University of Berlin. 1 Introduction 11 1.1 State of the research and sources used 12 1.2 Lead Questions and Composition of the Study 14 2 Coalition Constellations 15 3 The Coalition Arena at State Level 19 3.1 Departmental Responsibilities of the Greens 19 3.2 Coalition Management in the G-states 26 3.2.1 The Bundesrat Clause 27 3.2.2 Coalition Personnel 28 3.2.3 Coalition Committees 30 You are free to share – copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and adapt – remix, transform, and build upon the material.
    [Show full text]
  • Between Reformstau and Modernisierung: the Reform Of
    Between Reformstau and Modernisierung: The Reform of German Federalism since Unification Gunther M. Hega Department of Political Science Western Michigan University 1903 W. Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5346 E-mail: [email protected] 1. Draft -- October 22, 2003 Please do not quote without the author’s permission Paper to be presented at the Conference on “Europeanization and Integration” EU Center of the University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, October 24 – 25, 2003 Abstract: Between Reformstau and Modernisierung: The Reform of German Federalism since Unification This paper examines the changes of the German federal system and the role of the 16 states (Länder) in national politics and policy-making in the Federal Republic of Germany since 1990. In particular, the study focuses on the response of the German Federal Council (Bundesrat), the chamber of the national parliament which represents the Länder, to the processes of German unification and European integration in the last decade. The paper starts from the assumption that the Federal Council has been the chief beneficiary among the Federal Republic's political institutions of the trends toward "unitary federalism" at the domestic level and a "federal Europe" at the international level. Due to the evolution of cooperative federalism with its interlocking policies, the changes in the party system and coalition politics, and, in particular, the twin processes of German unification and European integration, the Bundesrat has gained additional, special powers by assuring the inclusion of the "subsidiarity principle" in both the German Constitution (the Basic Law) and the Maastricht Treaty on European Union. The amended Article 23 of the Basic Law and the Maastricht Treaty's Article 3b strengthen the participation of the Federal Council and the 16 German states in national and European policymaking.
    [Show full text]
  • DOCUMENT RESUME ED 384 553 SO 024 877 AUTHOR Blankenship, Glen; Tinkler, D. William TITLE the Geography of Germany: Lessons
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 384 553 SO 024 877 AUTHOR Blankenship, Glen; Tinkler, D. William TITLE The Geography of Germany: Lessons for Teaching the Five Themes of Geography. PUB DATE 93 NOTE 95p.; For related volume of social studies lessons, see SO 024 876. PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Use Teaching Guides (For Teacher) (052) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC04 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Area Studies; Elementary Secondary Education; Foreign Countries; Fundamental Concepts; *Geographic Concepts; Geographic Location; *Geography; *Geography Instruction; History; Human Geography; Physical Geography; Social Studies; Teaching Guides; Teaching Methods; Western Civilization IDENTIFIERS *Germany ABSTRACT This activity guide contains five lessons. Lesson 1 deals with "Location of Germany on the Earth's Surface" with two activities:(1) "Germany's Location in the World"; and (2) "Germany's Location in Europe." Lesson 2 is on the "Physical and Human Characteristics of Germany" with four activities on:(1) "Physical Features of Germany";(2) "Germany's Population Pyramid"; (3) " Population Density in Germany"; and (4) "Population Distribution in Germany." Lesson 3 addresses "The Interaction of the German People and Their Environment" with four activities: (1) "Land Use in Germany";(2) "Industrial Areas in Germany"; (3) "Pollution in Germany"; and (4) "The Environment." Lessc- 4 highlights "Movement and Diversity in Germany" with two activities:(1) "Foreigners in Germany"; and (2) "Immigration to Germany." Lesson 5 develops the theme of "German Unification and Regional Changes" with aix activities: (1) "Regions in Germany";(2) "German Unification"; (3) "Opening the Berlin Wall";(4) "East German Perspectives on Unification, Part A";(5) "East German Perspectives on Unification, Part B"; and (6) "World Press Views on Unification." Complete handouts and instruc'tions accompany the lessons.
    [Show full text]
  • How Experts Explain Farmers' Choices in Germany
    Land Use Policy 65 (2017) 93–108 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Land Use Policy j ournal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/landusepol The EU’s ecological focus areas – How experts explain farmers’ choices in Germany a,b,∗ b,c a a b Yves Zinngrebe , Guy Pe’er , Stefan Schueler , Jonas Schmitt , Jenny Schmidt , a,∗ Sebastian Lakner a Department for Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5, 37073 Göttingen, Germany b Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental research (UFZ), Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany c German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t Article history: Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs) have recently been introduced as key element in the greening of the EU’s Received 22 July 2016 Common Agricultural Policy. In 2015, farmers across the EU have implemented EFAs for the first time. Data Received in revised form 16 March 2017 for German federal states indicate a strong variance in EFA decisions with an overall dominance of catch Accepted 21 March 2017 crops, nitrogen fixing crops and fallow land – two of which bear limited benefits for biodiversity conserva- Available online 10 April 2017 tion. This article explores how experts explain EFA choices. We conducted 35 qualitative, semi-structured interviews with representatives from the Ministry for Agriculture, farm advisory services, and farmers’ Keywords: associations in each federal state. Applying content analysis we clustered the factors mentioned as deter- Common agricultural policy Greening minants for farmers’ EFA choices into the categories administrative considerations, economic considerations, local factors, ecosystem considerations and policy incentives.
    [Show full text]
  • GERMANY Tel +49 (0) 3 81 20 81 - 0; Fax +49 (0) 3 81 20 81 - 202;
    Max-Planck-Institut für demografi sche Forschung Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research Konrad-Zuse-Strasse 1 · D-18057 Rostock · GERMANY Tel +49 (0) 3 81 20 81 - 0; Fax +49 (0) 3 81 20 81 - 202; http://www.demogr.mpg.de MPIDR TECHNICAL REPORT 2013-002 DECEMBER 2013 Human Fertility Database Documentation: Germany Michaela Kreyenfeld ([email protected]) Olga Pötzsch ([email protected]) Karolin Kubisch ([email protected]) For additional material see www.demogr.mpg.de/tr/ © Copyright is held by the authors. Technical reports of the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research receive only limited review. Views or opinions expressed in technical reports are attributable to the authors and do not necessarily refl ect those of the Institute. Human Fertility Database Documentation: Germany Authors: Michaela Kreyenfeld Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock Email: [email protected] Olga Pötzsch Federal Statistical Office of Germany Email: [email protected] Karolin Kubisch Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock Email: [email protected] Last revision: 29 April 2013 WARNING: Due to the improved procedure for splitting the input birth data (vertical paralelograms) into Lexis triangles, fertility rates and other indicators differ from the previous data release as of November 1, 2011. 1 General information 1 This document describes the German data that have been made available for the Human Fertility Database (HFD). As the data for Germany in the HFD cover the period 1950-2010 2, a portion of the data in the HFD span the years when Germany was divided into the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
    [Show full text]
  • The Planning System and Planning Terms in Germany a Glossary
    STUDIES IN SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT At a time when Europe is growing together, cooperation between countries is becoming increas- 7 ingly necessary. One of the main reasons for pursuing transnational spatial development is to at- tain a common understanding of the facts of spatial planning. Hence, the INTERREG III B project “COMMIN” sought to establish a common communication basis for the exchange of knowledge and experience in spatial planning and thus to foster and develop this understanding in the Baltic Sea region. Therefore, on the basis of a standardized structure the COMMIN project partners prepared basic information about institutional settings and spatial planning systems and compiled a glossary of key terminology in spatial planning accompanied by a varying range of fact sheets with respect to planning cases taken as examples. The readers will now fi nd on www.commin.org the whole range of information covering the respec- tive national languages as well as English translations, although in some countries offi cial transla- tions for these issues were lacking. The project partners were aware of the fact that each translation requires a balancing act between legal precision and communicable classifi cation and, at the end, is a question of defi nition power and of different senses for semantics. The Planning System and The German text on hand (status December 2006) – one information package out of eleven – was prepared by a team comprising planners, lawyers, economists, and administrative academics. Actually no other publication treating this subject in English exists and it will hopefully contribute not only Planning Terms in Germany to understanding planning issues in Europe but also to transferring in this respect information and knowledge within the country.
    [Show full text]