Der Spionage Verdachtig

Policy towards foreigners living in the German Democratic Republic was determined by both proletarian internationalism and the national interests of GDRs foreign policy. Referring to fugitives from Spain, Greece, Iran, former members of the French Foreign Legion and students coming from developing countries, Frank Hirschinger proves this discrepancy by regarding Sachsen-Anhalt, respectively GDRs districts Halle and Magdeburg. Hirschinger demonstrates that granting asylum for certain groups of fugitives was instrumentalized for political purpose and was in fact determined by priorities of the GDR's foreign policy. Beyond official propaganda, foreigners living in the GDR faced a lack of understanding and political distrust. A dense network of education and welfare was created, because foreigners were regarded as cadres for a potentially socialist development of their countries and should also be controlled. Moreover, intense supervision was exerted by political institutions and the GDR's secret service. By that, foreigners became either victims or perpetrators of political repression. German text.