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The Stasi

The Stasi

Myth and Reality

Mike Dennis, Norman Laporte

Jul 2003, Paperback, 288 pages
ISBN13: 9780582414228
ISBN10: 0582414229
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£28.99
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The Stasi were a central institution of the GDR, and this book illuminates the nature and operation of the entire East German regime, addressing one of the most important topics in modern German history. Its emphasis is primarily on the key years under Erich Honecker, who was Head of State from 1976 and ousted in 1989.The book looks at all aspects of the control, operation and impact of the security police - their methods, targets, structure, accountability, and in particular the crucial question of how far they were an arm of the ruling communist party or were themselves a virtually autonomous political actor.

Introduction

I. THE ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EAST GERMAN SECURITY SERVICE, 1945-71

1.From Weimar Republic to GDR

2.The Ministry of State Security, 1950-71

II. THE SWORD AND THE COMPASS

3. The party and its Sword

4. The Security Colossus

5.Political Justice in Dictatorship

III. THE FIRM AND ITS SERVANTS

6. Serving the Cause - the Officer Class

7. Mielke's Unofficial Collaborators

IV. HUNTING FOR THE ENEMY

8.Monitor and firefighter

  • Important topic in modern German history
  • Illuminates the nature and operation of the entire East German regime
  • Richly supported by newly-available documentation
  • Examines the Stasi in the internal context of the GDR's domestic affairs
  • Includes chapter about their role in international espionage

Mike Dennis is a Professor of History and War Studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

Expert Reviews

'illuminating, well structured and lucid study...

His impressive and useful book will be essential reading for students and scholars of the GDR for many years to come.'

European History Quarterly

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