35 Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall: Unpacking the Lasting Legacy of East Germany
Reflecting on the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Anna Kaminsky of the Bundesstiftung Aufarbeitung emphasizes the ongoing impact of the DDR on contemporary discussions. She argues that understanding East Germany’s history is crucial for addressing current democratic challenges. Despite a consensus on the dictatorship of the DDR, discussions around its legacy remain contentious, with many East Germans feeling marginalized even today. Kaminsky highlights the need for sustained support in DDR research and stresses that the lessons from the past are essential for appreciating democracy and its challenges in modern society.