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This book offers a detailed overview of the politics of contemporary social movements in Central and Eastern Europe. The analysis of 11 countries reveals the relevance of protest events, social movements, and civil society in shaping democratic transition and consolidation, electoral politics and institutions, socio-economic policies, and geopolitical orientation. This volume shows how power structures and government institutions respond to civic mobilisations and protests, using diverse tactics ranging from co-option to repression and how protests and mobilisations became consequential in the region's politics.
List of contents
.- Contention, democracy, and capitalism. A view from Central and Eastern Europe.
.- Albania - Duality of Democracy through Power and Protest.
.- Belarus - Civil Resistance and State Repression in an Autocracy.
.- Bulgaria - Protest Movements Transforming the Party System.
.- Czech Republic - From apathy to mass mobilizations, 1989-2022.
.- Georgia - Backstage Decisions, Frontstage Agenda, and the Return of Political Activism.
.- Hungary - The Changing Roles of Civil Society and Social Movements Facing Autocratisation.
.- North Macedonia - Two Sides of the Same Coin Pleading for Democratisation from Below.
.- Poland - Changing Patterns of Protest Mobilisation in a Polarised Society.
.- Romania - Democratic Change and Protest Movements.
.- Russia - Dynamics of Protest Activity in Putin's Regime.
.- Ukraine - Power and Protest Interplay Amidst Geopolitics.
.- Resisting the democratic backlash: Social movements in Central and Eastern Europe.
.- Socio-Economic Development, Class, and Protest.
.- The Facets of Mobilisation. Why is Liberal Civil Society Losing Momentum in Central and Eastern Europe?.
.- Power, Protest, and Possibilities in Central and Eastern Europe.
About the author
Claudiu Crăciun is Lecturer in European Politics at the National University of Political Studies and Administration in Bucharest, Romania.
Henry Rammelt is Associate Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the National University of Political Studies and Administration in Bucharest, Romania.
Additional text
“This is a valuable collection, drawing on contributors with deep knowledge of the countries examined to present a comprehensive overview of protest in the region. It is enriched by the inclusion of less examined cases such as Albania (Hoxha) and North Macedonia (Stefanovski). ... The book serves as a valuable record of the evolution of protest in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as pointing to potential challenges facing civil society and social movement actors in the region moving forward.” (Thomas O’Brien, Journal of Contemporary European Studies, May 29, 2025)
Report
This is a valuable collection, drawing on contributors with deep knowledge of the countries examined to present a comprehensive overview of protest in the region. It is enriched by the inclusion of less examined cases such as Albania (Hoxha) and North Macedonia (Stefanovski). ... The book serves as a valuable record of the evolution of protest in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as pointing to potential challenges facing civil society and social movement actors in the region moving forward. (Thomas O Brien, Journal of Contemporary European Studies, May 29, 2025)
