Term used during Cold War (1945-1991) to describe Western Bloc and aligned countries. Refers to liberal democracies, opposed to authoritarian regimes and communism. Term first appeared in Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" propaganda films
Born in Hamburg in 1954 to Lutheran pastor father and Polish mother. Moved to East Germany at age three months. Graduated from Karl Marx University with physics degree in 1978. Obtained doctorate in quantum chemistry in 1986