Political Science

BERLIN is one of the key regions of Federal Republic of Germany. As any given region, its significance is far and large tied to the famous Berlin wall which was brought down in 1989, closing a long chapter of communism which had engulfed the former East Germany. However, as a German capital it is paramount to realize that it is incredibly striking in the manner it impresses with its Classicist and the Romanticist architecture and equally the magnificent Baroque and Rococo palaces (Hall 1995). However the majority of buildings found within this region dates back to the Weimar republic. Nevertheless, Berlin is a city, and it is widely accepted that cities are just but growing organisms. This can be linked to the fact that individuals, institutions and professional entities found within them are typically considered as being different (Brownill 1999). 

Hence, that is why a city like Berlin presents a vivid picture that depicts that cities are not singularly amorphous, but rather they have history and sometimes this history is discontinued in times of war, epidemics or other unavoidable catastrophes. Berlin faced severe destruction in World War II, due to the effects and impacts which were as a consequence of the war the city was divided into two parts and remained so for decades. Due to the aforementioned disruption, the social and economic changes within this city underwent a tremendous and uncertain metamorphosis which was as a result of political instability and equally lack of goodwill from the political institutions of the day (Friedmann 1995 Tewdwr-Jones et al 2009). Therefore, it would be prudent to assert that the degenerating political acrimony led to the birth of unique social structures which resulted in transculturation. Looking at the social status in regard to political and cultural forces during the reign of Hitler, in early 1920s to the current situation, it is apparent that Berlin has evolved to be a mega cosmopolitan area.

In regard to the development of this area, having a critical review of the region, it is equally paramount to assert that the collective attitude of the Berliners strongly reflects who they are and also their convictions on matters pertaining to politics. Comparing Berlin of the 1920s with the contemporary Berlin, it is quite certain that the cultural efflorescence is apparent (Smith et al 1995).

Economic and Social Changes
Berlin is strategically located within eastern sphere of Germany which is approximately 71 kilometers west of the Poland border, this city lies within area with marshy terrains. Its modern appearance is greatly shaped by the major roles it played in Germanys lost history. It should be noted that almost all successive political powers in Germany had their base in Berlin. Even after Germany reunification in 1990, the city retained its status as the city of the government (Cheshire et al 1996). This development brought about a myriad of changes, considering the fact that East Germany was a communist state while the West Germany had embraced the concept of capitalism. When the two states came together, Berlin saw an influx of diverse cultural dynamism and this greatly affected the normal social set up.
This is greatly attributed to the fact that numeral new opportunities were created, while the unknown East German part provided new social challenges which included the way of life, fashion, language and customs which they were used to. Thus, these changes saw their way into Berlin and the common social setting experienced unparallel change too.

All in all, the consequences of globalization which began gradually have significantly overseen the rise of the service market as well as increased competition this has greatly influenced the outcome of open economic opportunities equally creating social threats to the surrounding areas. Therefore, due to aspects of global and domestic challenges, Berlin underwent significant and equally tremendous changes, exploiting both available and emerging economic prospects (Power et al 2007).

More so, these phenomena have weathered on the way diverse cultures are being integrated, hence, the economic and social restructuring have taken a centre stage, and this has helped in strengthening the overall economic prosperity translating to substantial growth of job market, increased population as well as the emerging of flexible home grown enterprises involving cultural enterprises, manufacturing, leisure and entertainment which have over the years developed with such a rapid concentration that Berlins ratio of expected economic growth can be said to be enormous (Sassen 1991 ).

A graph showing economic progression in Berlin since 1996 (Cook et al 1996)
Regarding the social changes, it is crucial to assert that the essence of industrialization which began in early 20-s gave rise to the formation of a metropolitan community. However, due to economic and political challenges, the unique social set up being witnessed in Berlin today can be linked to the enhanced economic flow, dynamic ethnic composition, as well as the diverse religious concepts within the area. However, the principal aspect that has greatly influenced the gradual changes can be directly linked to booming economy. From an economic point, social enhancement, adaptability, and mobility have activated a myriad of changes as from the last two decades to the present day. And this has witnessed a gradual development of mutual understanding, respect, freedom as well as willingness to live communally (Hall 1966).

Therefore, comparing the basic social development, it is apparent that before the dawn of 20th century Berlin was sagging under the weight of social inconsistency, however, as the concept of globalization swept across Europe and the European Union became a reality, its economic status took a new dimension. For instance, the acceleration of industrialization in the broader economic market has seen the demise of ancient industries, where new and modern industries have cropped up.

Also, it is vital to realize that such industries as textile sector have crumbled although in the last century they played a dominant role, the newcomers have introduced new economic and social concepts which have revolutionized the entire social scope (Keeling 1995). Though as per 2006, unemployment rate was considered to be substantial, however, such fast developing industries as communication, biotechnology, media, engineering have greatly changed the economic status of this region, this is due to the fact that its current GDP stands at   87 billion, with a population of over 3,000,000 which includes more than thousand nationalities (Massey 2007).

Moreover, due to the development of schools, sports clubs, educational centers as well as social organization, there have occurred significant social changes in terms of culture, social attitudes towards foreigners and equally the growth of a social bridge that brings together the diverse nationalities together without the fear of being discriminated. Therefore, intercultural development can be said to be the predominant social change that has greatly facilitated other social changes such as code of dressing, architecture, music and entertainment as well as the history of the people of Berlin (Porter 1989). It is pivotal to argue that the aspects of industrialization and globalization greatly helped to reshape and remold the entire social and economic landscape of Berlin which was immersed in the murky grounds of discrimination, political uncertainty as well as xenophobia

Key Problems
The rebirth of Berlin saw the raise of scandals which involved the former chancellor, Helmut Kohl with his government who was adversely mentioned in financial dealing. This scenario shocked both political and civil world. Also, the raising crime rates have greatly affected the regions reputation. Although government is attempting to take control, it is apparent that the cultural vibrancy witnessed three decades ago has reemerged with vigor, though this is a positive indication that the city is attempting to move forward still, this has raised a number of sophisticated issues due to the aspect of internationalism being enjoyed in the region. Hence, the consequences have resulted into insecurity, high population, poor infrastructure as well as inadequate drainage systems. Principally, as in any other region with such massive population as Berlin, it would be inadequate not to touch on matters pertaining to sanitation (Lee et al 1991).

Therefore, employing the entire regional setting, Berlin is faced with a tremendous task of realigning its procedures of handling solid waste, sanitation and drainage as well as uncontrolled emissions from the established and emerging industries. Another open challenge that is also equally apparent is the issue linked to improper dumping of hazardous waste, congestion, and ruining of environmentally susceptible land. Such factors are linked to the recent low productivity of the area and this is said to have contributed to low quality of life in some zones (Dean 2007). Despite that observation, it would be prudent to assert that lack of priorities in the manner the city and its environment are managed has considerably created such a situation where even the congestion of vehicles cannot be contained.

Therefore, the major remedy would be to preplan the city while putting more emphasis on the fact that better planning would help to control and manage traffic, waste disposal, settlement as well sanitation and drainage systems. This is due to the fact that population and economic growth generate externalities, meaning more people demand more resources and hence generating more waste. That is why Berlin has over time been affected by metropolitan environmental degradation. Though there are diverse issues in the area which need to be addressed in terms of regeneration, however, of particular importance is the aspect of security and health. Exploring diverse aspects of this area, it is paramount to realize that without proper roads, drainage system as well as reliable water supply the area cannot be inhabitable. Therefore, paying more attention maintaining well managed drainage systems, overhaul planning of residual areas as well as employing visible economic and social parameters designed to reduce congestion and insecurity in the area would be paramount (Keith 2004).

Implemented Regeneration Programs
In the course of Berlins industrialization, new urban zones were created. At that time, diverse buildings, roads and rail lines were dominated by companies and factories. However, the overall planning of this German city was not consistent. Due to such observance, there have been a number of problems which were imported from the errors made in the last few decades such errors involved poor constructional and urban planning. However, in the wake of 20th century a policy was developed geared towards socially inclusive Urban Development, its first stage which was initiated in phases beginning from early 60s and 70s (Jones et al 2008).  This program focused on the development of a cleaner and more secure urban centre with well developed transport and communication infrastructure. Also, as the program gained momentum, it also reflected on other neglected aspects of Berlin. Hence three conclusive programmes were also implemented and they were put in place with emphasis on
the amalgamation of diverse approaches,
the arrangement of housing, urban planning policy, public and economic instruments and
The connecting of public, financial and private actors.

Map of Berlin Showing All Major Roads (Braudel 1984)

The major achievement of the past and the existing regeneration in Berlin can be linked to the fact that they have transformed Berlin to be a city that is globally recognized in terms of cleanliness and architectural beauty. Despite specific incidence of insecurity which has failed to die away, the various programs executed have seen the aspects of enhancing strong transport and communication infrastructure being almost wholly implemented (Harvey 2000). Though the designed regeneration has lived up to the projected expectations, the open challenge has been due to political interferences and this has come out as the greatest weakness where political interests have overshadowed the laid down plans. This can be linked to the fact that all successful regimes have unleashed their blueprints of renewing this region hence lack of long term commitments has seen some of the major schemes being abandoned half way (Castells 1996). By understanding the mechanics of regeneration, it should be noted that this process more than often has got significant effect on the manner areas being redeveloped are treated. Though in case of Berlin there are some significant weaknesses which are predominantly apparent, such as poor lighting and lack of unified architecture. Expressways and housing projects have proved to be successful, and this had a major impact on the entire landscape surrounding Berlin.

Despite postwar challenges, the city of Berlin has undergone a tremendous change in terms of structure, roads and economic infrastructure in order to acquire its current status. Some of these regeneration policies have adequately transformed the linkages connecting both local and central authorities as well as the citizens. Therefore, it can be argued that the community based regeneration policies have greatly influenced the manner by which regeneration activities have been executed (Raco et al 2009). Comparing the regeneration of Berlin with such global cities as London, New York, Paris and Copenhagen, it is important to indicate that the driving forces that have helped to create policies that are instrumental in reshaping this region in the days to come are in one way or the other influenced by the way these cities have been redeveloped for the last two decades (Hall et al 1988). Though such issues as poor road infrastructure, low quality housing schemes and inability to cater for security provisions can be identified as key weaknesses of the previous and current regeneration programs, the determining factor can be linked to the fact that conceptualization of the citys housing strategies has resulted in numerous challenges (Travers 2004).

However, the recent upgrading of German urban planning system has indicated that the creation of spaces, environmentally friendly development schemes and sustainable community construction provide an axis of win-win situation. According to the prevailing regeneration policies, the pressure of economic increment and social dislocation have proved to be the core challenges that are tremendously affecting the enactment of the current policies, metropolitan renewal policies potentially present the utmost rewards (Braudel 1980 Pred 1980 Hamnett 2003). All in all, the greatest challenge in regards to Berlin municipal authorities is to develop policies that would help in delivering the common promises of well managed region with lean water, better drainage systems, well organized residential areas as well as reduced pollution, for it has been noted that these issues are ever contentious.

Therefore, Berlin has significantly demonstrated that the flagship schemes which the government is intending to execute have to be supported by sound policy. This can be linked to the fact that the past failures in the course of revamping this area are significantly associated to lack of concrete policies, therefore, executable policies help in shaping the nature of regeneration. Hence, this can greatly reflect the needs and the concerns of the communities within this metropolitan area (Thrift 1987).

The history of the Berlin region has left substantial physical, collective, and financial legacies for policy-makers to handle. The progress has also been fuelled, in large part, by the intention of altering principal geographical acuity of Berlin and changing it from an edge area to a fundamental place. Once more, this particular local feature has been a foremost contributor to the development policies that have so far emerged. Regeneration is as well more than an immediate economic conception though more than often it is significantly ignored diverse opinions indicate that economic concerns are significantly anchored to it (Abu-Lughod 1995 Leyshon 1995).

Hence, both social and political policies which have to be developed in order to redefine Berlin have to be more than physical apparatus of creating spaces while ignoring the environmental and social impacts it shall cause. Therefore, it is pivotal to reflect on the fact that the entire aspect of regeneration must be implemented where local jobs as well as spending capabilities must be developed and sustained. Also, such a policy of dealing with increasing joblessness, shortages of proper housing including dependency on government benefits have to be addressed (Braudel 1980 Hamnett 1995). Developing a policy that would equally safeguard the locally available businesses would also be helpful in as far as regeneration is concerned.

It would be instrumental to enact policies that would help and empower the people living within Berlin to have a crucial participation in all major decision makings pertaining to their region. However, it is typically unfortunate for the government policy on regeneration to be principally designed to focus on the economic aspects. This trend has overtime affected Berlin negatively hence it would be paramount to develop policies that would strongly recognize the importance of creating a harmonized city (Cohen 1981 Grosfoguel 1995).