5. Transitional Politics in Central Europe

Study

During the period 1989 to 1992, Soviet-style communism collapsed in Central and Eastern Europe. The collapse of old economic and political systems has given way to complex processes of transformation in more than twenty countries. To facilitate a better understand of the transformation from communism to new types of politics and economics, chapter 5 discusses two important methodologies of comparative research. First, the chapter develops a typology or classification scheme, which divides the region into three types of countries: (1) large, non–European Union, (2) small EU members, and (3) small, non-EU, conflicted states. Second, the chapter develops an analytical framework for comparing and contrasting postcommunist political systems.

The analytical framework outlined in chapter 5 highlights three important features that political systems need for long-term survival: First, society, with the aid of its political system, must produce a value system shared by the governed. Second, the governed and the governing must develop an institutionalized political machinery. Finally, society and the political system must develop the means for identifying and incorporating a cadre of political leaders able to pursue goals by making rational policy choices.

Chapters 5 and 6 apply the analytical framework to the three groups of postcommunist, transition countries identified in the typology. Chapter 5 focuses on the large states affiliated with, or aspiring to affiliate with, the European Union, and chapter 6 is concerned with two large states in the region not oriented toward the EU (Russia and Ukraine) and the conflicted states of the former Yugoslavia.

Chapter 5 concludes that incorporation into the European Union has contributed positively to transition by providing a framework for governance, enhancing security and prosperity, and providing a peer or reference group for collaboration among political leaders. Conversely, the countries analyzed in chapter 6 appear to be struggling with the tasks of defining society's core values, developing a political infrastructure, and cultivating a political leadership that is capable of making appropriate policy choices.

Review Questions

After reading the chapter, students should be prepared to answer the following questions:

  1. Explain how the former communist systems in Eastern and Central Europe provided a value system, political machinery, and political leadership for their respective societies.


  2. How do market size and economies of scale affect postcommunist countries in Central and Eastern Europe? Please consider the influence or potential influence of the E.U.


  3. Explain why the transition from communism to capitalism in Eastern and Central Europe will require a change in economic attitudes and culture.


  4. Explain the specific problems associated with equating the existence of elections with democratic governance in Eastern and Central Europe. What are the problems, and what are the strengths of the electoral process in the region?


  5. How has the European Union influence the process of transformation from communism to Western-style democracy and free markets in Central and Eastern Europe?