Updated through the 1999-2000 CDU party finance scandal, the Seventh Edition of this classic text offers a comprehensive yet concise introduction to modern German politics. The text emphasizes the structural and attitudinal changes that have taken place over the past half-century, as well as the policy problems facing the unified political system. Germany's expanding international role, its increasing integration into a unifying Europe and the problems associated with the return to Berlin are carefully described and analyzed. The end of the Kohl era, the 1998 Federal Election, and the changes in the party system are also covered in this new edition. An extensive, up-to-date English language bibliography and frequent comparative references to the United States and major European countries offer students a great resource for research projects.