A socialist Germany, the German Democratic Republic (GDR), existed for a mere 40 years – a blink of an eye in the long arch of history. Since the fall of the Berlin wall when the socialist projects of the 20th Century ended, capitalist forces have relentlessly vilified socialism, attempting to use the GDR as a prime example of why socialism is untenable in our world.
However, despite its brief existence, and the aggressive campaign to discredit its achievements, the GDR’s experience as an advanced socialist society has many lessons for us today.
Join the International Research Centre DDR (IF DDR) to delve into the history, achievements, and lessons of the GDR. We will discuss the circumstances under which the GDR developed, and investigate its achievements and functions, particularly focusing on its advancements in the areas of planned economy, proletarian democracy, and socialist internationalism.
Join us in-person at TPF or online for a weekend intensive:
Friday, 03/31 6:30-8:30PM ET
Saturday, 04/01 4:30-7:30PM ET
INSTRUCTORS
Franziska Kleiner grew up in East Berlin and didn’t really understand what was so special about the DDR until she left for Canada after the fall of the Berlin wall. The questions from people in international progressive movements and organisations made her realize that there is more to the story of the DDR and there are lessons about socialism which hold value today. She supports the IFDDR as researcher and is a member of the European secretariat of the International People’s Assembly.
Max Rodermund grew up in West Germany within a strong anti-GDR narrative, though studied marxism and joined the communist movement in his youth. Only then he slowly began to understand the necessity to counter the deeply anchored anticommunist story on the GDR. As a researcher for the IFDDR he produces studies and conducts interviews to unfold the young history of socialist construction.
