ABSTRACT
As regards our focus on involvement in transnational networks and relationships, both explanations provide reasons to expect differences in the degree of transnational connectedness. The GDR was a rather isolated society, not only as regards its links to the West, but also in regard to social relationships with people from other socialist countries. There were relatively few opportunities for making and maintaining contact in the everyday life of GDR citizens, as opportunities for traveling were restricted and the country experienced limited immigration. Despite its proclaimed internationalism the GDR remained a selfcontained society with strict political control of outside interactions. In the GDR the Soviet Union used its authority and bonded the country and its political leaders to Moscow and to the Soviet bloc. Mass organizations of the GDR like the society for German-Soviet Friendship (DSF) merely instrumentalized contact between citizens for political purposes. It can be considered a paradox that, indeed, efforts to arrange contacts existed, but these were so strictly regulated that real friendships were difficult to develop. Both sides monitored these contacts all too suspiciously, so that they did not become independent and leave the officially defined framework.
