Challenges to the Democratisation of Post-Communist Nations in Eastern Europe
CHALLENGES TO THE DEMOCRATISATION OF POST-COMMUNIST NATIONS IN EASTERN EUROPE
Outline
Background..................................................................................3
Elements of Modern Democracy.................................................4
Inherent Problems in Pre-Communist History.............................5
Problems of Post-Communism....................................................6
Political Challenges.....................................................................9
Social Challenges.........................................................................9
Economic Challenges..................................................................10
Conclusion...................................................................................10
References....................................................................................11
Background
The Soviet Union came into being after the Red Revolution of Russia, that took place in October 1917 which toppled the Tsar of Russia and brought into forces the Communist Regime (Kenez, 1993). The Russian Revolution as it is popularly known advocated for the formation of a classless society that absorbed the peasants and gave them fair opportunities based on a socialist model of governance and statehood in Russia. The reach of this model was extended to other neighbouring lands and this effectively saw the formation of the Soviet Union.
The Soviet Union got involved in the 2nd World War after the Nazis disrespected their Nazi-Soviet Non-Agression Treaty with the Union and invaded Russia in 1941(The Invasion of Russia) . Of course, this was expected by the sceptical mind because the Communists hated Nazism and a large proportion of Hitler’s Mein Kampf was dedicated to demonising Communism as a Jewish conspiracy. With diplomatic efforts by Britain and USA, the Soviet Union joined in the war to fight on the side of the
Outline
Background..................................................................................3
Elements of Modern Democracy.................................................4
Inherent Problems in Pre-Communist History.............................5
Problems of Post-Communism....................................................6
Political Challenges.....................................................................9
Social Challenges.........................................................................9
Economic Challenges..................................................................10
Conclusion...................................................................................10
References....................................................................................11
Background
The Soviet Union came into being after the Red Revolution of Russia, that took place in October 1917 which toppled the Tsar of Russia and brought into forces the Communist Regime (Kenez, 1993). The Russian Revolution as it is popularly known advocated for the formation of a classless society that absorbed the peasants and gave them fair opportunities based on a socialist model of governance and statehood in Russia. The reach of this model was extended to other neighbouring lands and this effectively saw the formation of the Soviet Union.
The Soviet Union got involved in the 2nd World War after the Nazis disrespected their Nazi-Soviet Non-Agression Treaty with the Union and invaded Russia in 1941(The Invasion of Russia) . Of course, this was expected by the sceptical mind because the Communists hated Nazism and a large proportion of Hitler’s Mein Kampf was dedicated to demonising Communism as a Jewish conspiracy. With diplomatic efforts by Britain and USA, the Soviet Union joined in the war to fight on the side of the
References: Birch, Anthony, H. (2007) The Concepts & Theories of Modern Democracy Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge Blacksell, Mark (1981) Post War Europe: A Political Geography London: Hutchinson. Broadman, Henry G. (2005) From Disintegration to Reintegration: Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union in International Trade Washington: World Bank. Dingsdale, Alan, (1999) “New Geographies of Post-Socialits Europe” The Geographical Journal Vol 165 No. 2 July 1999 pp 145 -153. Eckstein, Harry & Gurr, Ted Robert (1975) Pattterns of Authority: A Structural Basis for Political Inquiry New York: Wiley & Sons Fukuyama, F (1992) The End of History & The Last Man London: Penguin Gillingham, John (2003) The European Union New York: Cambridge University Press Ian-Hamilton, F Kaufman, Richard, F & Hardt, John, P. (1993) The Former Soviet Union in Transition New York: M. E. Sharp Inc. Kenez, Peter (1993) A History of the Soviet Union From the Beginning to the End University of Cambridge Press. Michalak, Wieslaw, Z. & Gibb, Richard, A. (1992) “Political Geography & Eastern Europe” Area 24(4): 341 – 9 O’Loughlin, John, Ward, Michael D., Lofdahl, J Uris, Leon (1958) Exodus New York: Bantam Books Welfens, Paul, J