Description
Book SynopsisOne of the most unexpected outcomes of the Soviet bloc''s transition out of communism has been the divergent but important paths followed by once ruling communist parties. In Poland, Hungary, and Lithuania those parties transformed themselves into pro-Western free market center leftists who have won elections and formed governing coalitions periodically since the early 1990s. The result has been former communists leading their countries into NATO and the EU even as their conservative opponents continue to condemn them for their communist past. No less surprising has been the ability of anti-Western neo-Leninist communist parties in Russia and Ukraine to win sizable pluralities of votes in free competitive elections. Their very strength has contributed to blocking genuine democratic alternation of power. By employing a unique cross-regional comparative framework The Left Transformed explores the divergent trajectories of ex-ruling communist parties in key countries of the former Soviet Empire. In-depth interviews, party presses and primary documents, and national election data provide a foundation for the most up-to-date examination of party transition, organization, ideology, and electoral fortunes through late 2002. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in contemporary history, political parties, or comparative government in Eastern Europe and Russia.
Trade ReviewThis new volume edited by Jane Curry and Joan Urban adds to a growing body of research by offering case studies of the Polish, Hungarian, Lithuanian, East German, Russian, and Ukrainian communist party organizations within a broader social and political context of their respective countries. -- Hubert Tworkecki, Emory University * Perspectives on Politics *
This is a very useful collection on an important topic. All of the chapters are of a high scholarly standard. The book deserves to be read not only by specialists on Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS but also by triumphalists and anyone interested in the future of the Left generally. * The Russian Review *
The Left Transformed is a coherent, cohesive, and well-written examination of the fates of six former communist parties following the fall of communism. All authors are well-regarded experts in their fields, and the chapters are uniformly well-presented and engaging. In addition to being well-written separate pieces, the chapters as a whole demonstrate a coherence of form and content. This volume is well suited as an introduction to communist successor parties in central and Eastern Europe. It should serve as a valuable reference for specialists in the field and as a useful course text. A substantial contribution to the literature on the left in the lands of the Leninist legacy. * Slavic Review *
Curry and Urban's book offers a valuable opportunity to study the former communist parties across a number of cases through an extended period (1989/1991 through 2002). * The Chronicle Herald *
The Left Transformed is a rich and detailed analysis that clearly illuminates the persistence and rehabilitation of communist successor parties across diverse settings. It is a very welcome contribution to the debate. -- Anna Grzymala-Busse, Yale University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Poland's Ex-Communists: From Pariahs to Establishment Players Chapter 3 Hungary: Socialists Building Capitalism Chapter 4 The Left-wing Parties in Lithuania, 1990-2002 Chapter 5 Political Adaptation in Germany's Post-Communist Party of Democratic Socialism Chapter 6 The Pragmatic Radicalism of Russia's Communists Chapter 7 The Communist Party of Ukraine: From Soviet Man to East Slavic Brotherhood Chapter 8 The Post-Communist Left: Divergent Trajectories, Shared Legacies Chapter 9 Appendix
