Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the current state of society in Europe in general and the regimes and societies of the Western Balkans in particular. The pandemic and near-universal lockdown have provided an ideal cut-off date for the collection of indices from reputable academic sources that cover the nature of these regimes, individual human freedoms, economic freedoms, the rule of law, human rights and media freedoms. The aggregated findings from the 20 individual indices provide comprehensive data to support original findings and the characterisation of societies in 45 European states. Admittedly, there are differences in the methodologies and samples among the indices consulted. Nonetheless, taken together they offer a solid basis for developing arguments concerning the diversity of regimes, governance and societies in Europe and drawing well-founded conclusions on the nature of society in various parts of Europe. Though the book’s main focus is on the Western Balkans, the region is put in a pan-European context. The issues of migration, minorities, global geopolitics, the crisis of liberal democracy – they all play into developments that are specific to the Western Balkans. The book answers the question of whether the pandemic has allowed local regimes to strengthen their power and exert greater control over society, making it possible to formulate arguments regarding the future of Europe and its integrative processes. In closing, the book investigates Western Balkan regimes’ reactions to the pandemic in the context of governance, society and state power, before addressing the question of whether the future of the Western Balkans lies in the “liberal club”, or whether local hybrid regimes will become even more influential in the near future.
Trade Review“The volume does a great job in dissecting democratic backsliding processes during the pandemic amidst the global rise of populism. … the book is well written and deserves much praise for highlighting the complex relationships between state power and society across the familiar Western European context as well as in the less-studied countries of the Western Balkans. In all, Andjelic’s account represents a valuable addition to the field of comparative democratization studies.” (Ion Marandici, Comparative Southeast European Studies, Vol. 70 (4), 2022)
Table of ContentsIntroduction.- State of the Play.- Western Balkans: State, Society and Coronacracy.- Geopolitics and Regimes in Europe: Focus on Western Balkans.- Crisis of Liberal Democracy.- Populism and Securitisation of Minorities .- Conclusion.
