An introduction to post-Communist Bulgaria

by Emil Giatzidis

Overview

Assesses the post-communist period in Bulgaria and examines how the democratization process has developed so far - Contains valuable historical and comparative features providing the reader with a comprehensive and detailed account of the ongoing political, social and economic transformation in this heavily understudied Balkan country - Employs an extensive range of empirical material and analyses the obstacles and the reasons for the delays and failures of the proposed political and economic reforms - Surveys the social implications of these reforms and examines the role of the emerging civil society, and goes on to assess the way civil society and its organisations and institutions have been developed - Written in a simple, accessible and informative style, the book will be vital reading for students, scholars, politicians and business people who wish to learn more about Bulgaria's past, present and future

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780719060953
Publisher:	Manchester University Press
Publication date:	08/08/2002
Series:	Europe in Change
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

Emil Kirchner is Professor of European Studies and Jean Monnet Chair at the University of Essex

Thomas Christiansen is Lecturer at the European Institute of Public Administration in Maastricht

Table of Contents

	List of tables	vi
	Preface	vii
	List of abbreviations	viii
	Chronology of events	ix
1	Introduction	1
2	The historical background	10
3	The political landscape	44
4	Economic transformation	79
5	The 'rebirth' of civil society	110
6	International relations in the post-Communist era	133
7	Conclusion	160
	References	168
	Select bibliography	175
	Index	177

Editorial Reviews

The main question motivating the author in this study of the recent history of Bulgaria is whether a country that went through fifty years of totalitarianism can establish a stable and enduring democratic political system. He explores whether civil society has developed sufficiently to assist democratic consolidation and assesses its current democratization processes. He looks at economic reforms, the development of NGOs, and the changes in the conduct in foreign policy, concluding that corruption and increasing polarization pose major problems for the emergence of a stable democracy. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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