1. Introduction
„Die EU braucht eine Pause zur Besinnung, zur Selbstfindung, zur Konsolidierung.” By proclaiming that the European Union (EU) needs a break for reflection and consolidation, Egon Bahr, who has been an intimate and consultant of the former German chancellor Willy Brandt as well as one of the most important German politicians as far as foreign policy is concerned, is pointing at a major problem of the before said institution. Since the EU enlargement of 10 new states has taken place at the 1st of May 2004, the problem which has been addressed before is even more up to date. Especially the recent argumentation about a common constitution, which is overdue to both providing a proper legal capacity as well as a capability to act, has been proofing that the EU is still far away from a strong, functioning political union.
But how is it possible to create such a proper union consisting of 25 members, and most probably 27 by the year 2007, consisting of basically national states being still heavily occupied with dealing with their own backgrounds especially if one has a closer look the former communist states? Is there any strategy of the lowest common denominator of policy advice or do one have to identify the (communist) past in relation to present developments ?
Facing this problem, the main purpose of this analysis will be an evaluation of different political transition theories and rating strategies which have been particularly taken into account by the former states behind the iron curtain. Finally this work is aiming at a probably existing connection between a successful political transition and a deeper integration into the European Union.
For that reason the first part will give an overall view about the transition issue in general followed by the most relevant transition theories and methods of rating democratic stability thereby mainly focusing on political changes. Since the analysis is only concerning countries gathering the EU, the next part will deal with peculiarities regarding the main political criteria for entering the before mentioned union. The last part should provide a conclusion about the success resp. failure of the scrutinized theories as well as the ongoing European integration.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Political Transition
- Transition in general
- Methods of evaluating political transition
- The Washington Consensus
- The question of rating democracies
- Political cleavages
- Strategic options for counties in transition
- EU integration
- Association Agreements
- Association Criteria
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper aims to evaluate different political transition theories and rating strategies used in post-communist countries, particularly focusing on those transitioning towards the European Union. It explores the connection between successful political transition and deeper integration into the European Union.
- Evaluation of political transition theories
- Analysis of methods for rating democratic stability
- Examination of EU integration criteria
- Investigation of the relationship between successful political transition and EU integration
- Focus on post-communist countries transitioning towards the EU
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of political transition in post-communist countries, particularly in relation to EU integration. It highlights the challenges of building a strong political union within the EU, especially considering the diverse backgrounds of its members, including former communist states.
- Political Transition: This chapter explores the concept of political transition in general, focusing on the specific case of former communist countries. It examines the various changes that occurred within socialist systems, leading to the eventual breakdown and transition to new political systems. The chapter also discusses different approaches countries can take during the transition process and explores the major phases involved in this transformation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary focus of this research paper is on the transition process in post-communist countries, particularly those seeking EU integration. Key concepts include political transition theories, methods for evaluating democratic stability, EU integration criteria, and the relationship between successful political transition and EU integration.
- Quote paper
- Magister Christian Vogel (Author), 2005, Post-Communist Transition - Theory in political transition, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/75139
