Transformation in the East: the gurus and the mantras
Article Abstract:
Old historical models and political theories are not up to the challenges of the post-Communist world. The world has no experience in guiding the transition of a pre-modern, authoritarian state to a constitutional system of government and market economy. It is not possible to predict the outcome of this attempted transition. There is always the danger that eastern Europe will succumb to some level of authoritarian rule again or that events outside of political control will start chain-reactions beyond the region. Politicians and the journalists who describe them can facilitate change by reshaping the public debate.
Publication Name: The World Today
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 0043-9134
Year: 1993
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Eastern Europe I: between reform and resignation
Article Abstract:
The free-market and political reforms which followed communism's collapse in Eastern Europe will need much more time than was first expected to bring about increased political stability and economic well-being. The people are likely to grow more frustrated as economic figures grow worse or stagnate. The power base of the present political leadership seems somewhat fragile. There are signs of fragmentation and if these lead to an extreme form of nationalism, reform could be hindered. Europe's real unification appears very much in the future.
Publication Name: The World Today
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 0043-9134
Year: 1992
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Who's afraid of post-communism?
Article Abstract:
Former Communist governments' successor parties are returning to power throughout Central and Eastern Europe thanks to voters' short memories and the problems other ruling parties have faced. Touting their own technocratic expertise, such parties are in or close to government in 9 out of 12 countries in the region. The pain of the transition to a market economy, exceeding all expectations, has helped voters to forget the problems Communist government brought. Once returned to power, these parties have had a mixed record.
Publication Name: The World Today
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 0043-9134
Year: 1995
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