This volume examines the political, social, and economic structures of the German Democratic Republic during the late 1980s. The text provides a comprehensive overview of the state's institutional framework, including its government, military, and economic planning systems. It utilizes data available through 1988 to analyze the internal stability and international standing of East Germany before the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

This work serves as a standard reference for researchers studying the administrative and social conditions of the German Democratic Republic prior to its dissolution. Scholars frequently cite this text for its detailed breakdown of state institutions and its snapshot of the Cold War era political climate.