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In the burgeoning literature on welfare regimes and typologies, this comparative study offers a stimulating new perspective. Kaufmann, the doyen of the sociology of social policy in Germany, emphasizes norms, culture and history, in contrast to political economy approaches. Comparing Britain, Sweden, France and Germany, Kaufmann highlights the „idiosyncrasy” of each welfare state: countries are compared with regard to their state traditions and the relationship between state and civil society; their national “social questions”; their economic systems, including the unions and labour law; social security and redistribution; and their personal social services and education. The socio-cultural approach enables Kaufmann to show that not all modern states are welfare states. Some are just „capitalism“ (the USA), others are „socialism“ (the former Soviet Union). In this light, the (essentially North-West European) welfare state is portrayed as a third way between capitalism and socialism.

Reviews Germany's history, and treats in a concise and objective manner its dominant social, political, economic, and military aspects. Sections, written by experts, include: chronology of important events; early history to 1945; history 1945-1990; the society and its environment; social welfare, health care, and educ.; the domestic economy; international economic relations; government and politics; foreign relations; national security; military tradition; strategic concerns and military missions; the armed forces; defense budget; and such military issues as uniforms, ranks, and insignia, defense production and export, foreign military relations, and internal security.