Completely updated, this comprehensive yet concise introduction to modern German politics emphasizes the structural and attitudinal changes that have taken place over the past half-century, as well as the policy problems facing the Germany today. The Eighth Edition features a new focus on the causes and consequences of Germany¿s economic crisis. Once a model of economic dynamism and the envy of its neighbors, Germany¿s economic growth rate is now among Europe¿s lowest. It also examines German-American relations post-9/11 and since the Iraq war.