From Happy Ending to Worried Eastplaining

German unification was initially hailed as a Glücksfall , a stroke of luck, but recent political and social developments suggest a more complex reality. This article examines the evolving East-West divide, the resurgence of identity politics, and the rise of populism, particularly in eastern Germany. It explores historical narratives shaping public discourse, including perceptions of East Germans as victims, perpetrators, or heroes. By situating these debates within broader temporal, spatial, and comparative contexts, the article challenges rigid national frameworks and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding Germany's post-unification transformations.