Central and Southeast European Politics since 1989

Describes the post-communist trajectory of the states of Central and Southeastern Europe, encompassing democratization, privatization, corruption, and war.

Sabrina P. Ramet (Edited by), Christine M. Hassenstab (Edited by)

9781108718660, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 October 2019

638 pages, 1 b/w illus. 2 maps 19 tables
24.6 x 17.5 x 3 cm, 1.28 kg

'Where this textbook really shines and comes into its own is in the level and depth of analysis undertaken by each author, something that is often not seen in a textbook of this nature. This one serves as an excellent introductory text for students taking their first steps into the history and politics of the region and will probably find itself on many recommended reading lists. At the same time, the book also serves as a useful reference for more knowledgeable readers who want to reacquaint themselves with the region before delving deeper into the literature. All readers will benefit from the strong empirical account of the region's development accompanied by expert analysis at the theoretical level.' Jonathan Millins, Europe-Asia Studies

The collapse of the communist monopoly across Central and Southeastern Europe in 1989/1990 initiated a process of rapid political, economic, and cultural change. While Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia went on to suffer three and a half years of war, all the states of the region have confronted challenges as they dismantled communist institutions and drafted new laws, in some cases ignoring their own laws. Indeed, in certain countries, local politicians have done their best to corrupt the media and the economy, with recent years seeing some states move in an illiberal direction. Throughout the region, however, there has been a strong interest in enjoying the benefits of membership of the European Union and NATO. In this updated second edition, regional specialists comprehensively analyze the post-communist trajectories of the states of Central and Southeastern Europe, encompassing democratization, privatization, corruption, and war. It will appeal to students and scholars, whether they have a specific interest in the region, or are studying European politics more generally.

Part I. Introduction: 1. The challenge of transformation since 1989: an introduction Sabrina P. Ramet and Christine M. Hassenstab
2. Post-socialist models of rule in Central and Southeastern Europe Sabrina P. Ramet and F. Peter Wagner
Part II. Issues: 3. Media, journalism, and the third wave of democratization in former Communist countries Peter Gross
4. Economic reforms and the burdens of transition Karl Kaser
5. The war of Yugoslav succession Marko Attila Hoare
Part III. Central Europe: 6. Poland since 1989: muddling through, wall to wall Konstanty Gebert
7. Building democratic values in the Czech Republic since 1989 Carol Skalnik Leff
8. Slovakia since 1989 Erika Harris and Karen Henderson
9. Two faces of Hungary: from democratization to democratic backsliding András Bozóki and Eszter Simon
Part IV. Yugoslav Successor States: 10. Slovenia since 1989 Danica Fink-Hafner
11. Politics in Croatia since 1990 Sabrina P. Ramet and Ivo Goldstein
12. Serbia and Montenegro since 1989 Sabrina P. Ramet
13. Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1991 Florian Bieber
14. Macedonia/North Macedonia since 1989 Zachary T. Irwin
15. Kosova: from resisting expulsion to building on independence Frances Trix
Part V. Southeastern Europe: 16. Romania: in the shadow of the past Lavinia Stan
17. Bulgaria since 1989 Maria Spirova and Radostina Sharenkova-Toshkova
18. Albania since 1989: the Hoxhaist Legacy Bernd J. Fischer
Part VI. Present and Future Challenges: 19. Regional security and regional relations Rick Fawn
20. The European Union and democratization in Central and Southeastern Europe since 1989 Ulrich Sedelmeier
21. Conclusion – adapting to the twenty-first century: lessons, progress, and regression Aurel Braun.

Subject Areas: Political structures: democracy [JPHV], Political structure & processes [JPH], Marxism & Communism [JPFC], Comparative politics [JPB]