Central and East European Politics: From Communism to Democracy / Edition 2

by Sharon L. Wolchik

Overview

Now in a fully updated edition, this essential text explores the other half of Europe-the new and future members of the European Union along with the problems and potential they bring to the region and to the world stage. Clear and comprehensive, it offers an authoritative and up-to-date analysis of the transformations and realities in Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltics, and Ukraine. Divided into two parts, the book presents a set of comparative country case studies as well as thematic chapters on key issues, including EU and NATO expansion, the economic transition and its social ramifications, the role of women, persistent problems of ethnicity and nationalism, and political reform. Leading scholars provide the historical context for the current situation of each country in the region. They explain how communism ended and how democratic politics has emerged or is struggling to emerge in its wake, how individual countries have transformed their economies, how their populations have been affected by rapid and wrenching change, and how foreign policy making has evolved. New to this edition are chapters on social issues and transitional justice. For students and specialists alike, this book will be an invaluable resource on the newly democratizing states of Europe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900742567343
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	11/16/2010
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Sharon L. Wolchik is professor of political science at George Washington University. Jane Leftwich Curry is professor of political science at Santa Clara University. List of contributors: Valerie Bunce, Sharon Fisher, Kevin Deegan-Krause, Zsuzsa Csergő, Vello Pettai, Eva-Clarita Pettai, Ronald H. Linden, Joshua Spero, Federigo Argentieri, Daina S. Eglitis, Janusz Bugajski, Monica Ciobanu, Elez Biberaj, Mark Baskin, Paula Pickering, and Taras Kuzio

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations Acknowledgments PART I: INTRODUCTION 1  Democracy, the Market, and the Return to Europe: From Communism to the European Union and NATO Sharon L. Wolchik and Jane Leftwich Curry PART II: POLICIES AND ISSUES 2 The Political Transition Valerie Bunce 3 Re-creating the Market Sharon Fisher 4. Civil Society and Political Parties: Growth and Change in the Organizations Linking People and Power Kevin Deegan-Krause 5 Ethnicity, Nationalism, and the Challenges of Democratic Consolidation Zsuzsa Csergő 6. Transitional Justice and Memory Vello Pettai and Eva-Clarita Pettai 7  The EU and Its New Members: Forging a New Relationship Ronald H. Linden 8 Security Issues: NATO and Beyond Joshua Spero PART III: CASE STUDIES 9 Poland: The Politics of “God’s Playground” Jane Leftwich Curry 10 The Czech and Slovak Republics: Two Paths to the Same Destination Sharon L. Wolchik 11 Hungary: Pathbreaker of Populist Nationalism Federigo Argentieri 12 The Baltic Countries: Facing New Challenges in Politics, Society, and Security Daina S. Eglitis 13 Bulgaria: Progress and Development Janusz Bugajski 14  Romania Since 1989: Old Dilemmas, Present Challenges, Future Uncertainties Monica Ciobanu 15 Albania: At a Democratic Crossroad Elez Biberaj 16 Former Yugoslavia and Its Successors Mark Baskin and Paula Pickering 17 Ukraine: The End of Post Sovietism and ‘Brotherly Friendship’ Taras Kuzio PART IV: CONCLUSION 18 Thirty Years after 1989: A Balance Sheet Sharon L. Wolchik and Jane Leftwich Curry Index About the Contributors

Editorial Reviews

Wolchik and Curry have assembled an all-star cast of experts for an authoritative assessment of the progress the region has made toward liberal democracy and a market economy in the last two decades. The book's particular strength is to cast the process in terms of a return to Europe. It thus pays attention not only to crucial developments in domestic politics but also to the influence of important international actors. Another exceptionally useful feature is the inclusion of essays that address important issues cross-nationally, as well as in-depth studies of each country individually, making the book especially valuable to students and scholars interested in the politics of the region and those interested in the interaction between domestic issues and global political and economic forces.

Michael Bernhard

This logically structured, well-written, comprehensive, and accessible book should be the go-to volume for instructors teaching Central and East European politics and postcommunist studies. The list of contributors reads as the ‘Who’s Who’ of scholars studying the region, and they do not disappoint. Unlike many edited volumes, every chapter could stand on its own as an excellent introductory study. This is one of those rare books that students will appreciate long after graduation.

Zoltan Barany

Central and Eastern Europe has experienced a rollercoaster ride over the past three decades encompassing revolution, democratization, marketization, state-building, integration into Western structures, and coping with the consequences of the Great Recession and the rise of illiberalism. For the fourth edition of their much-praised book, Wolchik and Curry have assembled a stellar lineup of contributors who not only chart developments in particular countries and different spheres of politics but also provide explanations for the twists and turns, similarities and variations, across the eastern half of the European continent. Central and East European Politics should be on the shelves of all scholars and students of the region.

Tim Haughton

Wolchik and Curry’s much anticipated updated edition of Central and East European Politics: From Communism to Democracy could not come at a better time. The region of Central and Eastern Europe remains a mystery that needs further inspection and analysis. Thankfully, the fourth edition gathers the best scholars on this region to help the reader better understand not only the recent historical changes but also contemporary politics. The book is a must-have for anyone interested in this part of Europe.

Adam Reichardt