Political Change in Eastern Europe Since 1989: Prospects for Liberal Democracy and a Market Economy

by Robert Zuzowski

Overview

What makes some Eastern European countries politically victorious and economically prosperous while others have failed in both regards? Zuzowski deals with fundamental changes in the area after the demise of communism. He argues that the past is important because it is usually a reliable indicator of things to come in the near future. He also states that if systemic transformation is to succeed, a new totalism or comprehensive change introduced swiftly and based on justice and a rule of law is necessary.

After a general discussion of Eastern Europe, Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic are examined in detail. In addition, the West's approach to Eastern Europe after the collapse of communism is analyzed. This significant assessment will be of value to scholars, researchers, students, and policy makers involved with economic, political, and social change, post-communism, and Eastern Europe.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275961459
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	06/25/1998
Series:	Interpretation of Music; 60
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.56(d)
Lexile:	1500L (what's this?)

About the Author

ROBERT ZUZOWSKI is Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. Among his earlier publications is Political Dissent and Opposition in Poland (Praeger, 1992). He has published numerous articles on East European politics in Australia, the United States, Canada, and South Africa.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Eastern Europe after the Collapse of Communism
Russia: Carpetbaggers' Country
Poland: Spin-Doctors' State
Czech Republic: Czechs Are Different
The West's Approach to Postcommunist Eastern Europe
Conclusion: Prospects for a Liberal Democracy and a Market Economy
Selected Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

An examination of the systemic changes that have occurred in Europe since the collapse of Communism. Zuzowski (international relations, U. of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg) details the changes in Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic. He also looks at Western aid to postcommunist Eastern Europe, and concludes with a discussion of the progress made to date toward a liberal democracy and a market economy and an assessment of Eastern Europe's prospects for enduring success in this regard. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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