From Division to Democracy

This article investigates how socialist legacies influence the political attitudes and integration of two post-socialist groups—former East Germans in reunified Germany and North Korean migrants in South Korea—whose experiences underscore broader challenges of transitioning to democratic societies. Drawing on choice-based conjoint experiments and supported by observational data analysis, the study examines individuals’ preferences for hypothetical politicians with varying stances on political rule, economic organization, social welfare, gender, and cultural diversity. By comparing responses between primarily native-born citizens and post-socialist subpopulations, we assess the extent of attitudinal convergence and highlight areas where socialist-era socialization likely remains influential. In Germany, the findings show that attitudes toward diversity (i.e., national identity) diverge between Western Germans—who reject nativism and support multiculturalism—and Eastern Germans and post-GDR citizens, who remain more skeptical despite formal unification. In South Korea, North Korean migrants show less enthusiastic support for democracy than native South Koreans, suggesting that early political socialization under authoritarian socialism leaves lasting imprints on democratic outlooks. This study underscores the enduring quality of formative political experiences, illustrating that effective democratic integration requires more than institutional change. It also considers how deeply held beliefs formed under socialism persist and shape contemporary political preferences—offering valuable lessons for policymakers in divided or transitioning societies.