Joachim C. Häberlen Books

This fresh account of new-leftist politics in West Germany after 1968 emphasises how central feelings were, both for leftist critiques of modern capitalism and for their political practices. Joachim C. Haberlen's book is based on close archival research and theoretically informed by recent approaches to the history of emotions.

This engaging narrative offers a detailed exploration of its subject, blending storytelling with insightful analysis. The author presents a well-researched perspective, making complex themes accessible to a broad audience. With a focus on compelling characters and pivotal events, the book invites readers to delve into the intricacies of its topic, ensuring a captivating experience that balances depth with readability.

Wie können aus Fremden Freunde werden? Wie ist es möglich, mit kulturellen Unterschieden und Konflikten in solchen Freundschaften umzugehen? Welche Veränderungen bewirken sie zwischen Fremden? Und was ist an ihnen politisch? Das Buch erzählt die Geschichte einer außer gewöhnlichen Freundschaft zwischen einer jungen, aus Afghanistan geflüchteten Frau und einem deutschen Mann, die ihren Ausgang in einer Begegnung vor dem Berliner LAGeSo im Herbst 2015 nahm. Eindringlich porträtiert das Buch die Frau, ihre Hoffnungen und Träume ebenso wie die Schwierigkeiten, mit denen sie kämpfen muss. Und so intim die Geschichte ist, die das Buch erzählt, so politisch ist sie. In einer Freundschaft lässt sich lernen, mit großen Differenzen umzugehen, sie offen auszusprechen und dennoch Freunde zu bleiben. In Freundschaften bildet sich das Vertrauen, das eine demokratische Polis braucht. In einer von Sorgen und Ängsten geprägten Debatte über Flüchtlinge und deren Integration macht dieses Buch Hoffnung, ohne Schwierigkeiten zu verkennen.

The German working-class movement was easily defeated by National-Socialism, while the numerically weaker French movement successfully mobilized against the radical right during a fascist threat. This study by Joachim C. Häberlen explores the social and political practices in Leipzig and Lyon at the end of the Weimar and Third French Republics, respectively. It focuses on the roles of trust and distrust within these movements and the complex effects of their politicization in local contexts. Utilizing a wide range of primary sources from various archives, the study paints a vivid picture of workers' lives and grassroots politics in both cities. The comparative analysis reveals significant differences that explain the contrasting outcomes of their struggles. In Leipzig, deep-seated distrust hindered effective mobilization against the Nazis, and the politicization of the movement exacerbated existing conflicts between Social Democrats and Communists, leading many workers to disengage from politics. Conversely, in Lyon, workers managed to overcome distrust, and the politicization during the rise of the Popular Front initially fostered unity. However, the increasing politicization of social practices, such as strikes, ultimately contributed to the decline of the Popular Front.