"Letters from the GDR to Western politicians" lecture at the Schlagsdorf border house

Letters from citizens to those in power have been a means of political communication at all times and in all political systems. This is particularly true of authoritarian regimes such as the GDR, in which pluralistic public spheres and participatory opportunities for shaping policy are only available to a limited extent. Prof. Dr. Daniela Münkel's lecture will focus on letters to West German politicians that were intercepted by the Stasi. After a brief introduction to the methods and scope of postal control by GDR state security, the addressees, topics and authors of the letters to West German politicians will be examined in order to conclude with the question of what repression and sanctions the SED regime used against the letter writers.

Before and after the event, it will be possible to apply for access to Stasi documents. Please bring a valid identity document with you. The venue is the Grenzhus Schlagsdorf, which aims to commemorate the inner-German border between the Baltic Sea and the Elbe.

Admission is free.