History Theory: Historiographical Analysis

Allison Brown HIST 4030: History Theory Dr. Blackler 8 May, 2023 Historiographical Analysis The historiography of the Stasi examined in this thesis focused particularly on the topics of mass surveillance and privacy in East Germany, particularly with the operations of the Stasi regarding the role of the “informal informant”. This historical analysis and historiography section will explore the context and content of the sources, tracing the development of surveillance and repression in East Germany, its effects on society, and the ways in which it has been remembered and analyzed by scholars. The historiography for this thesis and project took three distinct camps, firstly, works from historians on the history of the Stasi and their intelligence practices. Secondly, primary sources from both the Stasi and victims of their reach. And thirdly, more present-day political science research and analysis as well as content from military and intelligence journals. This historiographical analysis highlights the sources used for this project which taken together constructed a rich and varied perspective on the history of surveillance in East Germany and its present-day implications. From academic analyses of the Stasi's surveillance practices and their influence on society and the economy to first-hand accounts of life under the Stasi regime, these sources offer a comprehensive view of a complex and controversial topic. By exploring the history of surveillance in East Germany, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and risks associated with government surveillance, and of the ways in which such surveillance can affect individual rights, civil liberties, and scrutiny towards a security state both historically in the GDR and in present-day Germany. The combination of these works and disciplines gives 1 this project an interdisciplinary approach to the Stasi and the role of “informal informants” in building German trepidation towards present-day security and surveillance. This project hopes to contribute a multi-disciplinary analysis of the work previously done on the Stasi in the GDR and the opening of the Stasi Archives for the public to view their files with regards to German citizens’ knowledge of informal informants and their files previously to 1989. By doing this, this project hopes to add to the historiographical and political narrative historical context of modern-day German privacy and security laws and how those policies are influenced by the past. Overall, the sources in this historiography and project provide a rich and varied perspective on the history of surveillance in East Germany and its present-day implications. From academic analyses of the Stasi's surveillance practices and their influence on society and the economy to first-hand accounts of life under the Stasi regime, these sources offer a comprehensive view of a complex and controversial topic. By exploring the history of surveillance in East Germany, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and risks associated with government surveillance, and of the ways in which such surveillance can affect individual rights, civil liberties, and scrutiny towards a security state both historically in the GDR and in present-day Germany. Secondary Sources and Historical Context of the Stasi This historiographical analysis of this work will first look to discuss research and works from the historical discipline, though often incorporating political theory and thought. The first source to highlight is an article by Gary Bruce, titled “The Prelude to Nationwide Surveillance in 2 East Germany: Stasi Operations and Threat Perceptions, 1945–1 1T9h5is3.a”rticle analyzes the early years of the Stasi's operations, tracing its development from a small organization to a powerful institution with nationwide reach. Bruce argues that the Stasi's primary goal was to maintain control over the East German population and to suppress any opposition to the ruling Socialist Unity Party. The Stasi's methods of surveillance and repression were influenced by both Soviet and Nazi precedents, including the use of informants, secret police, and concentration camps. Bruce shows that the Stasi's operations were shaped by the political and social context of the time, including the post-World War II occupation of Germany and the early years of the Cold War. Bruce’s work ultimately centers around the release of the public documents of the Stasi records in Berlin and how contrary to public belief, the Stasi primarily targeted well-known opposition groups at home and anti-Communist organizations based in West Berlin. The article also speaks to the role of the state in shaping citizens’ perceptions towards surveillance and attitudes towards the Stasi. This research is beneficial for my project as it speaks to perceptions of the Stasi surveillance state of threats. Another source that was critical in this project’s knowledge of the progression of the history of the Stasi is “A State of Secrecy: Stasi Informers and the Culture of Surveillance,” author Allison Lewis offers a detailed examination of the East German Ministry for State Security (MfS), commonly known as the St2aLse i.wis argues that the Stasi was an incredibly effective tool for suppressing dissent, thanks in large part to its extensive network of informers, who were recruited from all levels of society. She also contends that the Stasi's activities had a profound reach on East German society, contributing to a culture of fear and mistrust. Lewis 3 draws on a wide range of primary sources, including Stasi files, personal testimonies, and official government documents, to support his arguments. Lewis’ work focuses on how the East German intelligence state’s or intelligence was able to coordinate in a sustainable way with the Stasi domestic surveillance agency. This work further contextualizes how the Stasi operated in a comparative way with other intelligence organizations and Foreign Intelligence Entities (FIEs) at the time to offer a more holistic understanding of the Stasi’s operations. This work is influential for my project as this comparative analysis is essential in further understanding why the Stasi was able to operate as it did unchecked, and then to further apply that to Germans’ perspectives on mass surveillance and security policy. “A State of Secrecy” remains an important contribution to the historiography of the Stasi and Cold War-era East Germany. By offering a comprehensive analysis of the organization's tactics and impact, Lewis sheds light on an important chapter in European history and helps readers better understand the complex political and social dynamics of the era. This project’s understanding of the origins of the Stasi and its ties to the USSR were partially derived from Childs and Popplewell's work “The Stasi: The East German Intelligence and Security Service” which provides a comprehensive analysis of the Stasi's history, structure, and methods of operation. The authors draw heavily on primary sources, including Stasi documents, to present a detailed account of the organization's activities. They argue that the Stasi was a powerful instrument of repression, responsible for maintaining the East German regime through the use of surveillance, propaganda, and coercion. For this project, this book’s analysis of the Stasi's relationship with the USSR was critical. The authors argue that while the Stasi was nominally subordinate to Soviet intelligence agencies, it enjoyed a degree of autonomy that 4 allowed it to pursue its own agenda. They also emphasize the role of the Stasi in maintaining East Germany's internal security, particularly during times of political unrest. An article by Paul Cooke and Nicholas Hubble, titled “Die Volkseigene Opposition? The Stasi and Alternative Culture in the GDR” addresses the social elements of the Stasi and GDR apparatus culturally. This article focuses on the Stasi's efforts to control and suppress alternative cultural movements in East Germany, such as punk and rock music, literature, and visual arts. The authors argue that the Stasi saw these movements as a threat to the ruling party's legitimacy and as a potential source of dissent and opposition. The Stasi used various methods to suppress these movements, including surveillance, censorship, and intimidation. The article also explores the ways in which artists and cultural activists responded to the Stasi's repression, including underground networks and subversive strategies. Similarly, an article by Elena S. Danielson, titled “Privacy Rights and the Rights of Political Victims: Implications of the German Experience” article explores the relationship between privacy and political repression, drawing on the experiences of East Germans under 3 Stasi surveillance .Danielson argues that the Stasi's surveillance and repression violated not only individual privacy rights but also the fundamental rights of political victims, including freedom of expression, association, and movement. She also examines the ways in which East Germans have sought to reclaim their privacy and autonomy in the post-reunification period, including through legal and institutional reforms. Additionally, a book by Valentina Glajar, Alison Lewis, and Corina L. Petrescu, titled “Cold War Spy Stories from Eastern Europe” helped to refine this project’s scope and 5 understanding of the period. This book is a collection of essays and personal accounts of espionage and surveillance in Eastern Europe during the Cold War, including in East G4ermany. The book examines the ways in which the Cold War shaped the practices and ideologies of espionage and surveillance, as well as the relevance of these practices on individuals and society. This work also provides concrete examples and methodology of the Stasi in the GDR which is valuable to this project to understand the broad influence of the Stasi. In understanding the operations of the Stasi more broadly was literature about the use and operationalization of “tapping”. Nessim Ghouas' work “The Conditions, Means and Methods of the MfS in the GDR: An Analysis of the Post and Telephone Control” provides a detailed analysis of the Stasi's surveillance methods, focusing specifically on the agency's control of 5 ne y. author draws on a range of primary postal and telephone communications in East Germa Th sources, including Stasi documents and interviews with former Stasi officers, to provide a nuanced account of the agency's activities. One of the book's strengths is its focus on the technical aspects of Stasi surveillance, including the use of wiretapping and other forms of electronic monitoring. The author provides a detailed account of the technology used by the Stasi, as well as the ways in which the agency was able to bypass legal restrictions on surveillance. This work was an important contribution to this project which provided valuable insights into the agency's surveillance methods and its broader influence on East German society. A different, economic approach to understanding the impacts of the GDR and Stasi is evident in the research. The notion of the East German surveillance system having an influence on the economy and social fabric of East Germany. For example, Jacob and Tyrell argue that the 6 legacy of surveillance in East Germany has contributed to the erosion of social capital and persistent economic disparity between East and West Ger6ma Thneyy. suggest that the existence of a pervasive surveillance system created a climate of distrust and suspicion that made it difficult for people to cooperate and build the kind of networks and relationships that are necessary for civil society and a robust economy. An interesting aside to this progression in the study of the Stasi’s reach in society is Mike Dennis' book, “The Stasi: Myth and Reality,” a significant contribution to the historiography of the Stasi7. In particular, the book challenges many of the popular myths and misconceptions surrounding the Stasi's activities, drawing on extensive research and analysis of primary sources. One of the key arguments put forward in the book is that the Stasi was not as all-powerful and omniscient as it is often portrayed. Dennis argues that the agency faced significant challenges in gathering and analyzing information and that many of its efforts were hampered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and political constraints. Another important contribution of the book is its analysis of the Stasi's relationship with the East German population. Dennis argues that while the agency was undoubtedly feared and despised by many, it also enjoyed a degree of support and cooperation from some sections of society as this project examines informal informants as an example. This work provides a valuable perspective on the complex and contested nature of memory and history in post-reunification Germany, and underscores the importance of rigorous and critical analysis in understanding the legacy of the Stasi. The primary narratives utilized in this project were not only from Stasi perpetrators but also victims of state violence of the GDR and the Stasi. Formative to this research was “Burned 7 Bridge: How East and West Germans made the Iron Curtain” in which author Edith Sheffer, offers a detailed examination of the political and social factors that contributed to the construction of the Berlin Wall and the division of Germany during the Cold8 W Shaer.ffer argues that while the construction of the wall was often viewed as a simple matter of Soviet aggression and communist repression, the reality was far more complex. Sheffer draws on a wide range of primary sources, including government archives, personal testimonies, and media coverage of the era, to support her arguments. One of her key contributions is her discussion of the role that ordinary citizens played in the creation and maintenance of the Iron Curtain. She suggests that while the wall was officially constructed by government officials, it was also supported and reinforced by everyday people on both sides of the border. While some reviewers have criticized Sheffer's work for being overly focused on West German perspectives and neglecting the experiences of East Germans, “Burned Bridge” remains an important contribution to the historiography of the Cold War and the division of Germany. By highlighting the complex social and political dynamics that shaped the construction of the Iron Curtain, Sheffer offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on this pivotal period in history with primary source accounts and examples unique to her work. This section of this project’s historiographical analysis focuses on several sources that examine the Stasi, the East German Ministry for State Security, and its role in maintaining control over the East German population through surveillance and repression. These sources offer insights into the Stasi's operations, its impact on East German society, and its relationship with Soviet intelligence agencies. Gary Bruce's article highlights the early years of the Stasi's operations and how its methods were influenced by both Soviet and Nazi precedents. Allison 8 Lewis's book argues that the Stasi's extensive network of informers contributed to a culture of fear and mistrust, while Childs and Popplewell's work emphasizes the Stasi's role in maintaining the East German regime through the use of surveillance, propaganda, and coercion. The articles by Paul Cooke and Nicholas Hubble and Elena S. Danielson focus on the social and political implications of the Stasi's surveillance and repression, including its impact on alternative cultural movements and individual privacy rights. Finally, the book by Valentina Glajar, Alison Lewis, and Corina L. Petrescu provides personal accounts of espionage and covert operations during the Cold War in Eastern Europe. Together, these sources offer a comprehensive analysis of the Stasi's history and methods of operation, shedding light on an important chapter in European history and contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex political and social dynamics of the era. Primary Sources A work that was most critical in this project’s development and the importance of utilizing primary sources, and individual stories, was Anna Funder’s “Stasiland.” This book is a work of narrative non-fiction that explores the experiences of East Germans under Stasi surveillance and repressio9 nF.under interviews former Stasi agents and their victims, as well as other East Germans who lived under the regime. The book provides a vivid and personal account of life in East Germany, as well as the ways in which the Stasi operated and the lasting effects of its surveillance on individuals and society. Funder’s book, “Stasiland”, also contextualizes the Stasi state with oral and public histories of individuals who lived during that time. By adding in those personal narratives, Funder is able to help readers develop a more personal sense of how 9 the Stasi invasion of privacy and mass surveillance state was perceived by average East German citizens. This book is also useful to my research as it presents ways in which to tell oral histories and personal stories regarding Stasi citizens and informs my own project. In addition to these more academic analyses of the widespread nature and influence of the Stasi's surveillance practices, there are also a number of first-hand accounts and memoirs that provide a more personal perspective on the subject. For example, in “Man Without a Face: The Autobiography of Communism's Greatest Spymaster”, Markus Wolf provides a detailed account of his life and career in the East German intelligence services, including his involvement in surveillance operation10s. Wolf’s autobiography also offers unique insight specifically into how the Stasi implemented policies and enforced the roles of informal informants. This work is relevant to my research as it provides a primary source, a detailed account, of how the Stasi was organized, although undeniably biased from the perspective of the founder of the Stasi to add this narrative into my research. Similarly, Rainer Eppelmann's memo Freir,m“d im eigenen Hause. Mein Leben in anderen Deutschland ”, offers a personal account of life in East Germany under 11 the Stasi regime . The article”Revolution as a Career: On the Biography of the First East German Interior Minister Carl Steinhoff” published by Itnhset itut für Zeitgeschichte also provides a detailed and informative account of the life and career of Carl Steinhoff, an important figure in the early years of the GDR, serving as the country's first interior minister following the establishment of the state in 1949. The article explores Steinhoff's background, his political beliefs and affiliations, and his role in shaping the early years of the GDR. One of the strengths 10 of the article is its use of primary source materials, including documents from the Stasi archives and Steinhoff's personal papers, to shed light on Steinhoff's motivations and actions. Throughout this project, primary sources are incorporated which reflect and in some ways serve as evidence of biographies of those such as Marcus Wolfs’ and other Stasi perpetrators. An example of this is evident with this project’s use of the “Stasi Note on Meeting Between Minister Mielke and Head of the KGB 5th Directorate Abramov” which is a valuable primary source for 12 scholars interested in understanding the leadership and operations of the the Stasi. document records a meeting between two high-level officials, Markus Wolf of the East German Ministry for State Security (MfS) and Viktor Abramov of the Soviet KGB's Fifth Directorate, which was responsible for counterintelligence activities. One of the key insights provided by the document is the extent to which the East German regime was dependent on Soviet support for its survival. The meeting discussed issues ranging from intelligence-sharing to economic cooperation, highlighting the close relationship between the two countries. The document is also incredibly valuable for its insights into the internal workings of the East German security apparatus. It includes detailed discussions of the MfS's efforts to monitor dissident groups and maintain control over the East German population. While the document's historical significance is clear, its use in scholarly analysis is limited by its status as a government record. As a result, it is subject to censorship and manipulation by the authorities who created it. Despite these limitations, the document remains an important primary source for historians seeking to better understand the leadership structure of the Stasi and surveillance in the GDR and broadly across the Soviet-Bloc. 11 In understanding the effects of the Stasi on victims, one cannot overlook the role of Stasi arbitrary detention and imprisonment as a primary means of social and political control. In working on this project, the author had the opportunity to visit Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial Museum to visit the space as well as record primary sources available to the public in the museum. In addition to this work, the article “Narratives of Stasi Detention: Memory and History at the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial Museum” by Mary Beth Stein explores the ways in which the museum itself has constructed and presented the history of Stasi detention in 13 East Germany. The author draws on interviews with museum staff, as well as observations of visitors to the museum, to examine the various narratives that are presented to the public. One of the key contributions of the article is its analysis of the ways in which the museum's exhibits and displays shape visitors' understanding of Stasi detention. The author argues that the museum's focus on individual stories and experiences allows visitors to connect emotionally with the history, and creates a sense of empathy and solidarity with the victims of Stasi repression. However, Stein also notes that the museum's emphasis on individual stories can sometimes obscure the broader political and social context in which Stasi detention occurred. The article suggests that a more contextualized approach, which takes into account the political and social conditions that gave rise to the Stasi's activities, could provide a more nuanced understanding of the agency's impact. Overall, “Narratives of Stasi Detention” offers a valuable contribution to the study of memory and history in post-reunification Germany. The article highlights the complex and contested nature of remembering the Stasi and underscores the 12 importance of critically examining the ways in which this history is constructed and presented to the public after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the release of the Stasi records. In conclusion, the importance of utilizing primary sources and individual stories is evident in the study of the Stasi surveillance and repression in East Germany. Anna Funder's "Stasiland" provides a personal account of life in East Germany and contextualizes the Stasi state with oral and public histories of individuals who lived during that time. Similarly, memoirs by Markus Wolf and Rainer Eppelmann offer a personal perspective on life in East Germany under the Stasi regime. The article "Revolution as a Career" provides a detailed and informative account of the life and career of Carl Steinhoff, an important figure in the early years of the GDR, using primary sources to shed light on his motivations and actions. The use of primary sources is exemplified by the "Stasi Note on Meeting Between Minister Mielke and Head of the KGB 5th Directorate Abramov", which provides insights into the internal workings of the East German security apparatus. Finally, the article "Narratives of Stasi Detention" examines the ways in which the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial Museum has constructed and presented the history of Stasi detention, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing individual stories within the broader political and social context. The combination of these sources provides a comprehensive understanding of the effects of the Stasi on victims and the society as a whole. Political Science and Intelligence Studies Sources The first work this project encountered examining intelligence studies and the Stasi’s operations was Uwe Spiekermann's volume “The Stasi at Home and Abroad: Domestic Order and Foreign Intelligence” which explores the East German intelligence agency's activities both 13 within East Germany and beyond its bord14erTs.he contributors to the volume draw on a range of sources, including newly released Stasi files, to shed light on the organization's methods and goals. One of the book's key contributions is its comparison of the Stasi to other intelligence agencies, including drawing comparisons to some United States intelligence agencies. The authors argue that while there are similarities between the Stasi and other agencies, such as the use of surveillance and covert operations, there are also important differences. In particular, the Stasi's focus on domestic surveillance and repression sets it apart from other intelligence agencies, which tend to focus more on foreign threats. The volume also sheds light on the Stasi's activities outside of East Germany, particularly in other socialist countries which provided context for this project’s examination of primary sources and accounts of operations outside Berlin and the GDR. The authors argue that the Stasi played an important role in maintaining the stability of these regimes and that its activities had significant influence on the politics of the Cold War era. Looking at further research in the field of intelligence studies, in his article, “Citizen Duty or Stasi Society? Whistleblowing and Disclosure Regimes in Organizations and Communities,” Steven Sampson offers a critical analysis of the ethics and politics of whistleb1l5owing. Whistleblowing refers to the act of reporting or exposing misconduct or illegal activities within an organization or community, often at great personal risk. In the context of the Stasi and modern German policies, whistleblowing plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and 14 accountability in government and other institutions. Sampson's article explores the ethical and political dimensions of whistleblowing, highlighting both the potential benefits and drawbacks of this practice. In particular, Sampson raises concerns about the negative consequences of whistleblowing, including the potential for it to contribute to a culture of surveillance and suspicion reminiscent of the Stasi. As such, whistleblowing can be seen as a tool for challenging and holding powerful institutions accountable, but it also raises complex ethical questions and requires careful consideration of its potential impact on individuals and society as a whole. Sampson argues that while whistleblowing is often seen as a necessary means of exposing wrongdoing and holding powerful institutions accountable, it can also have negative consequences for both individuals and society at large. Sampson draws on a range of theoretical and empirical sources to support his arguments, including Michel Foucault's concept of power, Judith Butler's ideas on vulnerability and ethics, and case studies of whistleblowing in both the public and private sectors. One of Sampson's key contributions is his exploration of the ways in which whistleblowing can contribute to a culture of surveillance and suspicion, akin to that of the East German Stasi. While Sampson's article is highly theoretical in nature, some critics have suggested that it could benefit from more concrete examples and case studies to illustrate his points. Additionally, some reviewers believed and noted that Sampson's focus on the negative consequences of whistleblowing could be seen as overly pessimistic and that there are many instances in which whistleblowers have made positive contributions to society. Overall, “Citizen Duty or Stasi Society?” offers a thought-provoking analysis of the complex ethical and political issues surrounding whistleblowing. By highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks of this practice, 15 Sampson encourages readers to engage in a critical examination of the role of whistleblowing in modern society. This portion of historiographical analysis examines the relationship between political science and intelligence studies by analyzing two works on the Stasi's operations. The first work, Uwe Spiekermann's "The Stasi at Home and Abroad," compares the Stasi to other intelligence agencies and sheds light on the organization's activities both within and outside of East Germany. The second work, Steven Sampson's "Citizen Duty or Stasi Society?" offers a critical analysis of the ethics and politics of whistleblowing, highlighting both the potential benefits and drawbacks of this practice. While Sampson's article is highly theoretical, it raises important questions about the negative consequences of whistleblowing, including the potential for it to contribute to a culture of surveillance and suspicion reminiscent of the Stasi. Overall, these works contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding intelligence gathering and the ethical dilemmas inherent in holding powerful institutions accountable. Sources Regarding Effects on Present-Day Germany To begin examining the effects of the Stasi on present-day Germany, Anthony Glees' book “Reinventing Germany: German political development since 1945” was critical in understanding post-World War II German politics and the establishment of the16 G InDR. particular, the book offers a detailed analysis of the ways in which Germany's political landscape has changed over time, from the immediate post-war period to the 1990s. One of the key strengths of the book is its focus on the complex interplay between domestic and international 16 factors in shaping German politics. Glees argues that Germany's geopolitical position, as well as its internal social and economic developments, have been crucial in shaping its political landscape. The book also provides a valuable overview of the key political events and movements that have shaped modern German history, including the student protests of the 1960s, the rise of the Green Party, and the reunification of East and West Germany. By offering a comprehensive overview of the key political developments of the post-war period, he provides a valuable framework for understanding both contemporary German politics and German political history post-WWII. While conducting this initial, broad historical survey of the collapse of the GDR Stasi, an understanding of de-Stasification was necessary. In “East Germany: The Stasi and DeStasification,” John Koehler examines the process of de-Stasification in post-reunification Germany.17 Drawing on a range of primary sources, including Stasi archives and interviews with former Stasi officers, the author provides a detailed analysis of the challenges facing the German government as it sought to deal with the legacy of the Stasi. One of the key contributions of the article is its analysis of the legal and institutional frameworks that were put in place to deal with the Stasi's activities. The author provides a detailed account of the various laws and policies that were enacted in the wake of reunification, as well as the role of the Stasi Records Agency in uncovering and documenting the agency's activities. Koehler also examines the ways in which former Stasi officers have responded to de-Stasification, including the formation of various interest groups and lobbying efforts aimed at protecting their interests. The author argues that 17 these efforts have hindered the process of de-Stasification, and that a more concerted effort is needed to address the legacy of the agency. Additionally, an article by Marcus Jacob and Marcel Tyrell, titled “The Legacy of Surveillance: An Explanation for Social Capital Erosion and the Persistent Economic Disparity 18 between East and West German y.M”arcus and Marcel’s work is focused on the impacts of the Stasi state in East Germany measured by the destruction of social capitalism via state policy and surveillance. This work inserts into the historical and political context of the Stasi by analyzing “the differences in the scale and depth of state security penetration of people's private lives as well as of the institutions of state and society across the regions in the former GDR have significant bearing on the social capital patterns observed in East Germany today.” This work is relevant to my project as it connects the impacts of the Stasi on the economic social capital of present-day East Germany, and how it relates to German state surveillance Similarly, Lichter et al. (2021) explores the long-term costs of government surveillance, 19 using Stasi spying in East Germany as a case st uTdhy. ey argue that the Stasi's surveillance practices not only violated individual privacy and civil liberties but also had a negative affect on economic growth and social cohesion. The authors suggest that the existence of a surveillance state can create a climate of fear and mistrust that stifles innovation and creativity, and that this, in turn, can have negative consequences for long-term economic development. 18 In her article, “Germany's surveillance fears,” Corinne Schaer explores the legacy of the 20 East German Stasi and its effects on contemporary German so Sch ciety. aer argues that despite the disbanding of the Stasi and the fall of the Berlin Wall over thirty years ago, Germans continue to be deeply concerned about the issue of surveillance and the potential for their privacy to be violated. Schaer draws on a range of sources to support her arguments, including interviews with German citizens, experts on surveillance, and government officials. One of Schaer's key contributions is her discussion of the ways in which the Stasi's tactics have influenced modern surveillance practices, both in Germany and around the world. While Schaer's article focused on and provides valuable insights into the ongoing effects of the Stasi and the complex relationship between surveillance and democracy. By highlighting the ways in which citizens continue to grapple with these issues, Schaer encourages readers to consider the broader social and political implications of surveillance in contemporary society. Similarly, in their article “The Self, the Stasi, and NSA: Privacy, Knowledge, and Complicity in the Surveillance State,” Robert Sloan and Richard Warner explore the relationship between citizens and government surveillance and intelligence ag2e1 nDciraew s.ing on a wide range of philosophical, legal, and historical sources, the authors argue that citizens have a right to privacy. Sloan and Warner draw parallels between the tactics used by the East German Stasi and those employed by the National Security Agency (NSA) in the United States. They suggest that both agencies rely on a combination of surveillance technologies and social pressures to gain access to citizens' private information. 19 One of the key contributions of Sloan and Warner's article is their discussion of the ethical and moral implications of government surveillance. They argue that citizens have a responsibility to be aware of the ways in which their personal data is being used, and to push back against surveillance practices that violate their rights. Sloan and Warner's work is an important contribution to the growing body of literature on government surveillance and privacy. By highlighting the connections between historical and contemporary surveillance practices, the authors offer a nuanced and insightful perspective on surveillance today. The sources examined in this section of this project’s historiography provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of the Stasi on present-day Germany. Anthony Glees' book, “Reinventing Germany,” offers a valuable framework for understanding post-World War II German politics and its key events, providing context to contemporary German politics. John Koehler's article, “East Germany: The Stasi and De-Stasification,” examines the legal and institutional frameworks put in place to deal with the legacy of the Stasi, and the challenges the German government faced. Meanwhile, the works of Marcus Jacob and Marcel Tyrell and Lichter et al. explore the long-term impacts of Stasi state surveillance, the erosion of social capital, and the negative effect on economic growth and social cohesion. Corinne Schaer's article and Robert Sloan and Richard Warner's work examine the ongoing concerns about surveillance and the relationship between citizens and government surveillance and intelligence agencies. Together, these sources provide valuable insights into the ongoing effects of the Stasi and the complex relationship between surveillance and democracy. The authors encourage readers to consider the broader social and political implications of surveillance in contemporary society and to be aware of the ways in which their personal data is being used, and to push back against surveillance practices that violate their rights. 20