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14.2 Political Systems in Post-Communist Countries

5 min readjuly 30, 2024

Post-communist countries face a tough balancing act. They're trying to switch from planned economies to market-based ones while also shifting from authoritarian rule to democracy. It's a double whammy of change that's super tricky to pull off.

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These nations are dealing with a ton of challenges. They've got to build democratic institutions from scratch, tackle corruption, and manage economic upheaval. Plus, they're wrestling with the legacy of communist rule and the rise of new power players like .

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Political Transitions in Post-Communist States

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Challenges of Simultaneous Economic and Political Transitions

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  • Post-communist countries face the daunting task of transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a market-based economy while also shifting from an authoritarian political system to a democratic one
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  • The absence of established democratic traditions and institutions in post-communist countries can impede the formation of a stable and effective political system
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  • The communist era's legacy, including the Communist Party's dominance and the suppression of dissent, can pose significant barriers to political reform and efforts
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  • The rise of nationalist sentiments and ethnic tensions in certain post-communist countries can contribute to political instability and conflict (Yugoslavia, Ukraine)
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Obstacles to Political Reform and Democratization

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  • The influence of powerful oligarchs and entrenched elites can undermine the fairness and transparency of the political process in post-communist states (, Ukraine)
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  • The weakness of the and the prevalence of corruption can erode public trust in political institutions and hinder the consolidation of democracy
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  • The lack of experience with democratic governance and the absence of a strong civil society can slow down the pace of political reforms in post-communist countries
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  • The economic challenges associated with the transition, such as high unemployment and inflation, can lead to social unrest and political instability (Bulgaria, Romania)
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Civil Society in Post-Communist Reforms

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Role of Civil Society Organizations

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  • , such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and grassroots movements, can play a crucial role in advocating for political reforms and holding governments accountable in post-communist countries (Solidarity in , Otpor in Serbia)
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  • The development of independent media outlets can contribute to greater transparency and public scrutiny of government actions in post-communist states
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  • The engagement of citizens in political activism, such as protests and demonstrations, can put pressure on governments to implement democratic reforms ( in Ukraine, in Czechoslovakia)
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  • The formation of trade unions and professional associations can provide a counterbalance to state power and promote the interests of specific groups in post-communist societies
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Challenges Faced by Civil Society

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  • The ability of civil society to effectively mobilize and influence political change can be limited by factors such as state repression, lack of resources, and internal divisions within civil society groups
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  • The involvement of international organizations and foreign donors in supporting civil society initiatives can help to strengthen the capacity and impact of these actors in shaping political reforms (, )
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  • The sustainability of civil society organizations can be threatened by the withdrawal of foreign funding or the imposition of restrictive regulations by the government (Russia's foreign agent law)
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  • The co-optation of civil society groups by political parties or the government can undermine their independence and credibility in advocating for reforms
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Economic Liberalization and Political Development

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Social and Political Consequences of Economic Transition

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  • The transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system can create winners and losers, leading to social and political tensions in post-communist societies
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  • The of state-owned enterprises can lead to the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few individuals or groups, which can have implications for political influence and corruption (oligarchs in Russia and Ukraine)
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  • The introduction of economic reforms, such as price liberalization and the removal of subsidies, can lead to short-term economic hardships and social unrest, which can strain the political system ( in Poland)
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Interplay between Economic Reforms and Political Legitimacy

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  • The success of economic reforms in generating growth and improving living standards can enhance the legitimacy and stability of the political system in post-communist countries
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  • The ability of the state to manage the economic transition and provide social safety nets can shape public perceptions of the political system and its effectiveness
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  • The integration of post-communist economies into the global market can create new opportunities and challenges for political development, such as the need to adapt to international norms and standards (, )
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  • The unequal distribution of the benefits of economic growth can fuel popular discontent and undermine the credibility of democratic institutions ( in Georgia and Ukraine)
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Democratic Consolidation in Post-Communist States

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Indicators of Democratic Progress

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  • The extent to which post-communist countries have established free and fair elections, with genuine competition among political parties, can be a key indicator of democratic consolidation
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  • The presence of a functioning system of checks and balances, with an independent judiciary and a strong parliament, can help to ensure the accountability and responsiveness of the government to the people
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  • The protection of civil liberties and political rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association, is essential for the consolidation of democracy in post-communist states
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  • The level of political participation and engagement among citizens, including voter turnout and the strength of civil society, can reflect the depth and sustainability of democratic practices
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Challenges to Democratic Consolidation

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  • The ability of post-communist states to manage ethnic, religious, and regional divisions through inclusive and representative political institutions can be crucial for maintaining stability and unity (, )
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  • The influence of external actors, such as the European Union and other international organizations, can play a role in supporting or hindering the consolidation of democracy in post-communist countries
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- The prospect of EU membership has served as a powerful incentive for democratic reforms in many post-communist states (Central and Eastern Europe), while the lack of a clear EU perspective has slowed progress in others (Western Balkans)
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  • The persistence of authoritarian tendencies and the weakness of democratic institutions can undermine the consolidation of democracy in post-communist states (, )
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  • The role of informal networks and patronage systems in shaping political outcomes can challenge the establishment of a level playing field in democratic competition ( in former Soviet states)
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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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