Description
Cambridge Redeeming the Communist Past The Regeneration of Communist Parties in East Central Europe 2002 Edition by Anna M. Grzymala-Busse
This major study examines one of the most surprising developments in East Central European politics after the democratic transitions of 1989: the completely unexpected regeneration of the former communist parties. After the collapse of the communist regimes in 1989, these ruling communist parties seemed consigned to oblivion. However, confounding scholarly and popular expectations, all of these parties survived. Some have even returned to power. This in-depth, comparative study systematically analyzes the trajectories of four cases: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary (with additional examination of other communist party successors). Relying on extensive, and unprecedented, primary research, this analysis employs a consistent analytical framework that combines the peculiarities of the post-socialist cases with broad theoretical concerns of institutional analysis, democratic transitions and consolidation, and party politics. Table of contents :- 1. The roots of regeneration: communist practices and elite resources; 2. Breaking with the past, reorganizing for the future; 3. Developing programmatic responsiveness; 4. Convincing the voters: campaigns and elections; 5. Parliamentary effectiveness and coalitions; Conclusions: succeeding in democracy.