Ebook: Central and East European Politics: From Communism to Democracy

Now in a fully updated edition, this essential text explores the other half of Europe, the new and future members of the EU, along with the problems and potential they bring to the region and to the world stage. Clear and comprehensive, it offers an authoritative analysis of Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltics, and Ukraine.;Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Illustrations -- Acknowledgments -- Part I INTRODUCTION -- 1 Democracy, the Market, and the Return to Europe: From Communism to the European Union and NATO -- Part II POLICIES AND ISSUES -- 2 The Political Transition -- 3 Re-Creating the Market -- 4 Civil Society and Political Parties: Growth and Change in the Organizations Linking People and Power -- 5 Ethnicity, Nationalism, and the Challenges of Democratic Consolidation -- 6 Transitional Justice and Memory -- 7 The EU and Its New Members: Forging a New Relationship -- 8 Security Issues: NATO and Beyond -- Part III Case Studies -- 9 Poland: The Politics of â#x80;#x9C;Godâ#x80;#x99;s Playgroundâ#x80;#x9D; -- 10 The Czech and Slovak Republics: Two Paths to the Same Destination -- 11 Hungary: Pathbreaker of Populist Nationalism -- 12 The Baltic Countries: Facing New Challenges in Politics, Society, and Security -- 13 Bulgaria: Progress and Development -- 14 Romania since 1989: Old Dilemmas, Present Challenges, Future Uncertainties -- 15 Albania: At a Democratic Crossroad -- 16 Former Yugoslavia and Its Successors -- 17 Ukraine: The End of Post- Sovietism and â#x80;#x9C;Brotherly Friendshipâ#x80;#x9D; -- Part IV Conclusion -- 18 Thirty Years after 1989: A Balance Sheet -- Index -- About the Contributors.