Poking Holes in the Western Wall: East Germany's Attempts to Create Counter-Hegemony during the Cold War

During its brief existence, East Germany attempted to present an alternative global vision that was sharply in contrast to that of West Germany and her capitalist allies. Although only partially successful, these campaigns nonetheless point to a quest for a different globalization based on non-capitalist international solidarity. Among the issues the ddr championed were the following: a) an alternative narrative of German, and world, history, b) anti-fascism as a model for national development, c) support for anti-colonial and liberation movements against imperialism, and in fits and starts d) a policy of gender equality.