Central and East European Politics

Zsuzsa Csergo is professor of political studies at Queen’s University, Canada. Daina S. Eglitis is associate professor of sociology and international affairs at the George Washington University.Paula M. Pickering is associate professor of government at William & Mary.

The declared aim of this textbook is to ‘illuminate contemporary politics in Central and East Europe and to provide insights into regional paradoxes, as well as past accomplishments, current developments, and future challenges’ (p. 4). There is no question that the editors of the volume and the authors of the individual chapters have accomplished this end. Throughout the book, they present an accessible yet sufficiently in-depth treatment of relevant issues that builds on and adds to the strengths of previous editions. Packed with useful features (such as discussion questions at the end of every chapter), the book presents an ideal and timely resource for students, lecturers and researchers alike. Amidst renewed interest in the region, it will undoubtedly be an invaluable companion for those wishing to gain a better understanding of CEE.

• List of Illustrations Acknowledgments PART I: INTRODUCTION1 Central and East Europe: Turbulent Histories, Dramatic Transformations, and Twenty-First-Century Challenges Zsuzsa Csergo, Daina S. Eglitis, and Paula M. PickeringPART II: POLICIES AND ISSUES2 Liberal, Fascist, and Communist Legacies Jeffrey S. Kopstein3 Nationalism and Its Challenges to Democratic Governance Zsuzsa Csergo and Jason Wittenberg4 Civil Society and Political Parties: Growth and Change in the Organizations Linking People and Power Kevin Deegan-Krause5 Economic Reforms and Trends Sharon Fisher6 Demography and Migration Daina S. Eglitis and Michelle Kelso7 Transitional Justice and Memory Eva-Clarita Pettai and Vello Pettai8 Gender Regimes Éva Fodor9 The EU and Its Newer Members: Forging Ties in Turbulent Times Ronald H. Linden10 Russia Rising: Soft and Hard Power Challenges to Security Jennie L. SchulzePART III: CASE STUDIES11 Poland Jane L. Curry12 The Czech and Slovak Republics Sharon L. Wolchik13 Hungary Federigo Argentieri and Ognen Vangelov14 The Baltic Countries Daunis Auers15 Bulgaria Janusz Bugajski and Margarita Assenova16 Romania Michelle Kelso17 Albania Arolda Elbasani and Seimir Elbasani18 Former Yugoslavia and Its Successor States Paula M. Pickering and Jelena Subotic19 Ukraine Paul D’AnieriPART IV: CONCLUSION20 Changes and Challenges: Three Questions Zsuzsa Csergo, Daina S. Eglitis, and Paula M. PickeringIndex About the Contributors