Postcommunism: The Problems of Democratic Construction

The demise of communism in Central and Eastern Europe was not destined to result in extraordinary social and political change, as many western nations had expected. Despite the failures of socialist ideology, it represented a foundation of political organization that is not easily relinquished in the face of chaotic democratic reforms. Democracy will make strides in these former communist countries, but it will be slow, and, at times, it will seem that progress has been rejected.