Written on the eve of German's 1998 elections, this volume provides insight into the country's recent past and near future. With an evaluation of Helmut Kohl's record as the longest serving German Chancellor since Bismark. More durable than any other contemporary democratic head of government and all previous German chancellors, Helmut Kohl has earned a place in history by helping to end his own nation's division and shape a new Europe. In this volume, ten scholars and journalists assess his leadership and legacy. They analyse the chancellor's goals and governing, Kohl's domestic political role - vis a vis his own party, its main opponents and the public - and his comparative standing among fellow European leaders.