Conflict or Resignation: Motivating Political Behavior in Germany's Diverse Cities

Abstract

In this dissertation I develop a theory of diversity and political behavior. I argue that both national and local governments are important to the management of diversity, and thus the political participation of native Germans. While national governments set the context for policies regarding the management of ethnic diversity, local governments are decisive in shaping dynamics between immigrants and natives on the ground through the policies they promote. I test this theory using a comprehensive dataset from dozens of data sources- archival, survey, and social, political and demographic data. My research leverages local variation in responses to immigration, shedding light on the impact of local practices and policies and in the process, substantiating the value of subnational/within-country and between-city research. I contribute to our understanding of how immigration impacts political behavior, shedding light on the crucial question of how immigration influences the ongoing practice of democracy in Germany.