Territorial ideologies in West Germany 1945–1985: Between geopolitics and regionalist attitudes

Abstract

Recent forms of territorial ideologies in West Germany, mainly nationalism and regionalism, are used to analyse the social use of a symbolic argument within a historical context which has few counterparts in modern world history. Concepts such as a reunified Germany, a central Europe consciousness and regional identity are illustrated along a left-right political axis ranging from neofascist activities to ideas promoted by the peace movement. Though a hypothesis of a unique historical experience is emphasized, the descriptive elements are incorporated in a general approach to territorial ideologies with an emphasis on critical theory at the end.