Book by Thor v. Waldstein Wir Deutsche sind das Volk concerns the right to political opposition of German citizens in accordance with Article 20(4) of the German Constitution, in the context of the alleged exile crisis.
The author asks questions about civilian rights limits, the government's work to the Constitution and whether decisions taken by the German authorities during the exile crisis can be seen as a violation of the fundamental principles of the regulation of law. Waldstein besides analyses the social impact of open migration policy and its impact on the perception of national identity and civilian solidarity.
Democratic Inspirations
One of the key points of the book is the analysis of the concept of “we, the nation” (‘Wir sind das Volk’) which was originally linked to the Democratic movement in East Germany before the country was united. The author points out that this slogan takes on a fresh meaning in the context of contemporary political debates and becomes an expression of dissatisfaction in part of society.
Thor v. Waldstein's book focuses on the analysis of the political and legal right to civilian resistance, as enshrined in Article 20(4) of the German Constitution (Grundgesetz). The key question put by the author is: does German society have the right to argue the decisions of the government which it considers to be violating the fundamental principles of constitutional order, peculiarly in the context of the 2015-2016 exile crisis?
Legal resistance
The context of the exile crisis, which became the starting point for Waldstein's reflection, refers to the German Chancellor's decision Angela Merkel on the beginning of borders for refugees, which has been met with broad support, but besides interior and global criticism. Waldstein argues that the open door policy could have breached the German constitution, as in his view it led to legal chaos, strain on state structures and a sense of danger of national identity.
The author carefully analyses Article 20(4) Grundgesetzwhich provides that citizens can defy anyone who tries to overthrow the democratic constitutional order. Waldstein seeks to specify the limits of this law by asking whether the crisis situation associated with the massive influx of refugees could have been considered a threat to democracy and the regulation of law.
What is resistance?
In this section of the book, the author considers the following issues:
– were the decisions taken by the Merkel government consistent with the principles of the German constitutional order?
– what are the legal and social consequences of decisions taken in the state of crisis?
– does German society have a moral and statutory right to argue specified decisions?
Waldstein emphasises that the concept of "resistance" should be understood in a broad context, both as social opposition and as actions within the limits of the law.
Wir Deutsche sind das Volk
The book's title refers to a acquainted slogan ‘Wir sind das Volk’ (“We are a nation”), which was a key motive for protests in East Germany before the country was united in 1989. Waldstein interprets this slogan as a symbol of the conflict to regain democratic sovereignty and points out that it is becoming real again in the face of modern challenges (such as the exile crisis).
The author claims that many Germans feel marginalized by the government's policy, which Waldstein believes favored migrant interests beyond the interests of native citizens. It's a password in this context. ‘Wir Deutsche sind das Volk’ to object to the actions of the authorities which are seen as a threat to German national identity.
Criticism of migration policy
Waldstein criticises the German government's migration policy. It points to: problems with cultural and economical integration of refugees, increased social tensions and increased crime, erosion of the sense of national community and social solidarity.
According to the author, these decisions not only burdened Germany's social system, but besides undermined citizens' assurance in state institutions.
Conclusions and implications
The book ends with a reflection on the condition of democracy in Germany and the anticipation of protecting national sovereignty in a globalised world. Waldstein calls for greater civic control over government decisions and stresses the request to defend national identity. In his opinion, German society faces the challenge of maintaining its fundamental values in the face of interior and external pressures.
The book is addressed to readers curious in politics, constitutional law and contemporary migration problems. The author discusses the German national identity and the state's work for its citizens in a controversial but provocative way. The publication may awaken mixed feelings – for any it will be a valuable voice in the debate, for others it can be perceived as populist and unilateral.
Waldstein
Thor v. Waldstein is simply a German author, investigator and publicist whose works focus on constitutional law, state explanation and contemporary socio-political problems. Waldstein is associated with a conservative intellectual environment and frequently publishes in initiatives supporting conventional national values and sovereign sovereignty.
Waldstein received an education in law and politics at renowned German universities. His investigation focuses on examining the principles of democracy, constitutionality and the limits of state intervention in the lives of citizens. He is the author of many technological articles and books that address issues of national identity, migration and sovereignty.
Controversy
The author is controversial in both academic and political environments. His views, frequently referred to as nationalist and conservative, are criticized by liberal commentators for unilaterality and populism. Nevertheless, its publications are widely read and are an crucial voice in the debate on the future of Europe.
Thor v. Waldstein is simply a character who polarizes public opinion. For some, he is simply a defender of national values and sovereignty, for others – a typical of conservative nationalism that fuels resentment towards migrants and globalisation processes. However, his books are valued for detailed legal analysis and commitment to the most crucial contemporary debates.
Voice of opposition
Book Wir Deutsche sind das Volk is both a voice of opposition to contemporary political decisions and a theoretical analysis of the right to resistance. It is simply a position of strong emotion that forces reflection on the boundaries of democracy, the work of government and citizens' rights. For those curious in German migration policy and problems, this is worth reading, although it requires a critical approach.
Matthäus Golla
Thor v. Waldstein, Wir Deutsche sind das Volk, Institut für Staatspolitik, Schnellroda 2016, p. 52.
