Zur Erhaltung autochthoner Minderheiten unter Diasporabedingungen am Beispiel der deutschen Minderheit in Rumänien

This article provides a concise analysis of the political relations between Germany and German autochthonous minorities scattered over Europe. It sets objectives with regard to the further co-operation between the so-called kin state (Germany) and its kin minorities (and also with their states of residence). The relationship should focus on the individual minority as a "subject" rather than as an object of policies. The author emphasizes that the preservation and the integration of these minorities in their states of residence should be enhanced through the support of their awareness as a community, a strategy which is preferable to policies encouraging members of these communities to emigrate to Germany.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]