Political Change in Eastern Europe Since 1989

by Zuzowski, Robert

• ISBN13: 9780275961459
• ISBN10: 0275961451
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-07-01
• Publisher: Praeger Pub Text

Summary

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.

Author Biography

ROBERT ZUZOWSKI is Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction	1	(12)
2. Eastern Europe After the Collapse of Communism	13	(34)
3. Russia: Carpetbaggers'Country	47	(24)
4. Poland: Spin-Doctors' State	71	(26)
5. Czech Republic: Czechs Are Different	97	(22)
6. The West's Approach to Postcommunist Eastern Europe	119	(22)
7. Conclusion: Eastern European Prospects for Liberal Democracy and a Market Economy	141	(8)
Selected Bibliography	149	(12)
Index	161