Political Dynamics of the Post-Communist Transition: A Comparative Perspective

Abstract

This article makes a case for viewing the politics of regime transition in communist states as a subcategory of the more generic phenomenon of transition from authoritarian rule. Drawing on case studies from Latin America and Southern Europe and from the more theoretical literature on postauthoritarian transitions that those cases have generated, the article reexamines the politics of reform in the Gorbachev-era USSR. This comparative approach shows that the dynamics of the liberalization process in the USSR adhere to a model of political change previously manifested in other parts of the world. Specifically, it provides a clearer understanding of the initial vitality and subsequent disintegration of Gorbachev's centrist reform program, as well as a new perspective from which to reevaluate Gorbachev's often-criticized program of regime democratization.

No Political Agents, No Diffusion: Evidence from North Africa

“…The literature on Postcommunist transition reaches similar conclusions. Referring to the “dynamics of disintegration,” Bova (:122) shows that the privileged position of reformers within a specific authoritarian regime makes them better able to bring about change. Similarly, Bunce () underlines the signaling effect of mass mobilization in authoritarian regimes which help provide “a clear reading of mass sentiments” (Bunce :172) and generate political change.…”

A Survey of Democracy in Russia's Regions

“…Our focus is on the fact that some have distanced themselves to a greater extent than others. Some works in the debate about the applicability of democratization theories to postcommunist countries include Bova (1991), Bunce (1995aBunce ( , 1995bBunce ( , 1998, Ekiert (1992), Schmitter (1994, 1995), Linz(1995), McFaul (1993), Offe (1991), and Terry (1993). 26 Unless indicated otherwise, the data used to test the correspondence between the experts' ranking and the various hypotheses were obtained from Predprinimatel'skiy (1997).…”

Creating Parliamentary Government: The Transition to Democracy in Bulgaria

“…The first thing the UDF did when it came to power [October 1991] was to smash its two main supporters-one was Podkrepa and the other was the Movement for Rights and Freedoms. They also attacked the institutions of the Orthodox Church; they created tension with the president, who was, by the way, their candidate in the presidential elections.…”