The liberal project and the transformation of democracy : the case of East Central Europe / Sabrina P. Ramet.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ramet, Sabrina P., 1949-

Series:

Eugenia and Hugh M. Stewart '26 series on Eastern Europe

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Liberalism.

Europe, Eastern--Politics and government--1989-.

Europe, Eastern.

Eastern Europe.

Politics and government.

Liberalism--Europe, Eastern.

Democracy--Europe, Eastern.

Democracy.

Physical Description:

x, 178 pages ; 23 cm.

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

College Station : Texas A&M University Press, [2007]

Summary:

The dramatic transformation of Eastern Europe from communism to one or another form of democracy in the last two decades has made this region an irresistible subject for students of democratic theory. With her unique blend of theory and empirical analysis, veteran observer of Eastern Europe Sabrina P. Ramet offers clear insight into the processes, challenges, and accomplishments of this area of the world.

Drawing on a classical understanding of "liberalism" based on a philosophy of Natural Law, she probes the issues of capitalism, national sovereignty and self-determination, gender inequality, and political legitimacy in the context of Eastern Europe's particular experience. Ironically, she finds that the Catholic Church, which nurtured Natural Law theory, has obstructed the realization of the liberal project in Poland. Conversely, she identifies the Czech Republic as having managed as well as any state in the region to embrace the liberal project. She also explores the limitations to classical liberalism and argues for the extension of liberal principles to encompass the rights of women and protection of all species as well as the environment.

Political theorists, political scientists, students of Eastern Europe, and those interested in the larger questions of political philosophy will be richly rewarded in their reading of this fine volume by a respected scholar at the height of her powers.

Contents:

Introduction

Liberalism and the moral law, then and now

Liberalism and capitalism : an unhappy marriage

Three views of sovereignty : the East European connection

The so-called right of national self-determination and other myths

Three models of church-state condominium

The fate of women in post-1989 Eastern Europe

The purpose of political association

Legitimacy or order : which is the fulcrum?

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [129]-161) and index.

ISBN:

1585445754

9781585445752

1585445797

9781585445790

OCLC:

70258938