Description
The aim of this module is to examine the social, political, economic development of Central and Eastern Europe since 1989; the comparative success (or failure) of CEE states in transforming themselves in liberal democracies and market economies on the West European model; and the position of the region in the wider European context. The module will focus principally on Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania and will consider: the (surprising?) stabilisation of democracy in CEE in 1990s; the nature of post-communist capitalism in CEE; the social and cultural legacies of communism and their impact on citizens; corruption and the strength of state institutions; the nature of left/right divisions in CEE; the reshaping of ethnic, social and political identities; the enlargement of the EU in CEE and the effects of integration on political systems and societies in the region; backsliding on liberal democracy, protest and threats to democracy since 2004. The module will use country case studies and comparisons between countries to explore particular issues in more depth.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
Ìý