Today is day 158 of my exile.
Exile 158.
Ein gesondert veröffentlichtes Videostatement vertieft die historischen Einordnungen zu „Exil 158 – Marlas Zeitreise“.
Nineteen fifty-eight stands under the sign of a consolidated world order that is simultaneously coming under pressure. The Cold War shapes politics and perception, while economic recovery and technological progress raise new expectations. Stability and tension exist side by side, sustained by alliances, deterrence, and diplomatic routines.
In the Federal Republic of Germany, the year marks everyday life shaped by economic growth and integration into Western structures. With the entry into force of the European Economic Community, integration becomes a practical project. Security policy debates about deterrence and responsibility accompany this growth, without offering simple answers.
The German Democratic Republic consolidates its political order and aligns the economy and society more strongly with central planning. Party leadership and the state apparatus tighten control and demand loyalty. The division of Germany remains a reality, driven by system competition and the expectations of the respective protective powers.
Internationally, the situation around Berlin intensifies as calls for a reordering become public. This crisis emerges from unresolved postwar issues, claims to power, and the desire for recognition. It shows how frozen conflicts can be set in motion again through words and gestures.
Europe experiences an institutional new beginning with the Fifth Republic in France. In the United States, the founding of a space agency brings the race into space under organizational control. In the Middle East, an overthrow shakes the existing order and points to social tensions and colonial aftereffects.
Nineteen fifty-eight is a year of transitions. Decisions emerge from long prehistories; interests collide. The developments of this year resonate quietly and shape an order that has not yet come to rest.
Exile 158.
Nineteen fifty-eight shows stability and crisis at the same time.
Germany lives with division, Europe with integration.
Conflicts grow out of prior histories.
Exile Chronicle
All previous (from 130 – earlier entries are on X/Twitter) and ongoing entries of my Exile Chronicle are collected and documented here:
👉 https://marlas.army/exil-chronik/
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