Overview
O'Brien argues convincingly that fears of a resurgent German nationalism are exaggerated. He highlights the 'technocratic liberalism' of the elite which, paradoxically, hinders full rights of political participation for minorities.Synopsis
Since unification, fears of resurgent German nationalism have mounted. In particular, many believe United Germany is reverting to a xenophobic nationalist stance. Peter O'Brien argues that these fears are exaggerated. He documents in the Federal Republic's policies a longstanding, steadily increasing committment to the liberal principles of the Basic Law which protect foreigners against hostile German nationalism. The author goes on to criticize the very entrenched liberalism which holds German nationalism in check. He traces among West German political elites the appeal and uses of "technocratic liberalism"—an overzealous protection of German's liberal democracy which, paradoxically, preventss minority groups from achieving full rights of political participation.
Beyond the Swastika is both unconventional and orginal. Peter O'Brien resists the widespread alarmist temptation to distort the political influence of German nationalism and instead uncovers sources of inequality in German liberalism which have until now gone unnoticed.