Crossing the Divide

Changing the National Narrative: Evolution in Citizenship and Integration in Germany, 2000–10

“…This constitutional patriotism model promotes national identity formation by adherence to and participation in political institutions rather than focusing on a common ethnic heritage. 58 Otto Schily (SPD), for example, focuses on language and a shared future: 'I think the French religious philosopher expresses the meaning of a nation best, calling it a community with a shared destiny that distinguishes itself through a shared history and language.' 59 The binding tie of the constitution is clear in the speeches of Sigmar Gabriel (SPD): 'We don't need a new leading culture; we must only adhere to what is written in the first twenty articles of our constitution.…”

“…These summits were by no means met with universal acclaim: several key groups boycotted them, and they have been criticized for producing few concrete changes. 83 However, the very existence of the summits represents a paradigm shift. Importantly, the summits brought the federal government and migrants, especially Muslims, together at the same table for the first time.…”