The Political Cultures of Eastern Europe
Variety and Difference
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Democracies rely not only on capable institutions, but above all on the support of their citizens as well. A comparison of the values and attitudes as well as the extent of engagement in civil society on the part of the citizens of East Central and Eastern European countries brings to light considerable differences between individual countries. By contrast, international comparisons including additional dimensions heighten one’s awareness of the commonalities and particularities of Eastern Europe’s post-communist systems. The development of political culture in the states of East Central Europe is grounds for cautious optimism.
(Osteuropa 7/2007, pp. 13–26)