The German Democratic Republic has recently assumed increasing importance within the Eastern bloc, both economically and strategically, largely as a result of its favourable trading position with the West. This book, written by a number of leading scholars in the field, assesses the current position of the GDR in key political, economic and social areas. It looks at the political leadership, the military and at social groupings such as the church and discusses recent developments in the context of other European countries, including the Soviet Union, making it invaluable as a vital pointer to the likely shape of East Germany in the Gorbachev era and beyond.