Description
Book SynopsisThrough research and interviews Castle examines the causes and consequences of Poland's collapse as a communist state and explores how today's leaders confront some of the legacies of transition.
Trade ReviewPoland's transition from communism to democratic government was a critical signal that the rejection of communism throughout Eastern Europe was possible, yet many Poles view the transition process and its outcome as a disappointment, rather than a moment of national pride. Marjorie Castle investigates this paradox by examining the Polish roundtable discussions between the communist regime and a coalition of opposition groups in 1989 that led to the election in August 1989 of the first noncommunist head of government in eastern Europe, Solidarity adviser Tadeusz Mazowiecki. . . . Castle's analysis of the roundtable is a welcome addition, and probably the most comprehensive such investigation in English. Her discussion is fluid and engaging—practically a page-turner. -- Renee De Nevers, Syracuse University * Slavic Review *
An excellent analysis of the 1989 elections in Poland that heralded the beginning of the anticommunist revolutions in that year within Eastern Europe. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: The Paradox of the Polish Transition Chapter 2 Changing Arenas, Changing Players Chapter 3 Setting the Stage for the Round Table: The Polish Context Chapter 4 A New Political Playing Field: The Negotiating Arena Chapter 5 The Players of the Round Table Chapter 6 The Negotiations and Their Outcome Chapter 7 An Unexpectedly Competitive Arena: The 1989 Elections Chapter 8 Campaign: Rulers and Opposition Confront a New Game Chapter 9 Polish Voters Speak and the Players Respond Chapter 10 Changing Power: The Legacies and Lessons of the Round Table
