Debating Lessons from Germany After the Social Democratic Century

This article seeks to stimulate a debate about the propositions that this special issue advances on German political economy by presenting responses from two experts who were not otherwise involved. Both scholars independently engage with the volume’s characterisations of empirical developments and arguments for conceptual innovation. Their comments highlight three themes in particular: the malleability of ‘conflictual partnership’ in industrial relations, the growing political prominence of consumer interests, and the revitalisation of social movements. In a rejoinder, the editors spell out how the proposed shift in the scholarly lens on Germany from stability to imbalance helps address these themes. The rejoinder closes with an invitation for scholars and practitioners to draw on the volume as they interpret, manoeuvre within, and try to positively shape what will undoubtedly be a challenging future.