Clear and comprehensive, the 6th edition of Central and East European Politics: Changes and Challenges offers an authoritative and up-to-date analysis of the transformations and realities in Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltics, and Ukraine. Featuring a set of comparative country case studies as well as thematic chapters on key issues, this new edition includes updates surrounding the effects of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on politics across the region, the rise of new centers of power for the region, and the continued challenges of sustainable democratic governance following the rise of influence in populism and illiberal political movements.
Volume editor:
Paula M. Pickering,
Jennie L. Schulze,
Zsuzsa Csergo
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: 6th edition
Dimensions:
Height: 254mm,
Width: 178mm,
Spine: 42mm
Weight: 1.340kg
ISBN: 9781538198902
ISBN 10: 1538198908
Pages: 648
Publication Date: 19 February 2026
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Part I: Introduction 1 Central and East Europe: Turbulent Histories, Dramatic Transformations, and Twenty-First Century Challenges Zsuzsa Csergo, Paula M. Pickering, and Jennie L. Schulze Part II: Policies and Issues 2 Liberal, Fascist, and Communist Legacies Jeffrey Kopstein 3 Economic Reforms and Trends Sharon Fisher and John Gould 4 Nationalism and Its Challenges to Democratic Governance Zsuzsa Csergo and Jason Wittenberg 5 Civil Society and Political Parties: Growth and Change in the Organizations Linking People and Power Kevin Deegan-Krause 6 Demography and Migration Michelle Kelso and Daina Eglitis 7 Transitional Justice and Memory Vello Pettai and Eva-Clarita Onken Pettai 8 Gender Regimes Éva Fodor 9 The EU and Its Newer Members: Still The ‘Lands Between’? Ronald H. Linden 10 Russia Resurgent: Soft and Hard Power Challenges to Security Jennie L. Schulze Part III: Case Studies 11 Poland Jane L. Curry 12 The Czech and Slovak Republics Sharon L. Wolchik 13 Hungary Ognen Vangelov and Federigo Argentieri 14 The Baltics Daunis Auers 15 Bulgaria Petia Kostadinova and Maria Popova 16 Romania Monica Ciobanu and Mihaela Serban 17 Albania Arolda Elbasani and Seimir Elbasani 18 Former Yugoslavia and Its Successors Paula M. Pickering and Jelena Subotic 19 Ukraine Paul D’Anieri Part IV: Conclusion 20 Changes and Challenges: Three Questions Zsuzsa Csergo, Paula M. Pickering, and Jennie L. Schulze
Zsuzsa Czergo is professor in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University. Paula Pickering is associate professor of government at William & Mary. Jennie L. Schulze is Associate Professor of political science and Director of the Center for Migration, Displacement, and Community Studies at Duquesne University, where she teaches courses on comparative politics and international relations.
Reviews for Central and East European Politics: Changes and Challenges
I have been using the previous editions over the years as the book proved to be remarkable for studying and understanding East and Central European politics and society, its transitional economies, and historical and contemporary challenges. It has been the primary text that I have been assigning in my classes over several years. The scope of the book is comprehensive. Its organization is systematic, straightforward, and consistent. -- Renat Shaykhutdinov, Florida Atlantic University For the countries it covers, the book provides an unparalleled job of providing overviews of developing trends and themes in each chapter and how historical legacies impact the present. -- Petra Hendrickson, Northern Michigan University [The] thematic approach in the first part gives a great introduction to many of the important variables for assessing politics in any regime. The second part on case studies then implements the comparative analysis which I find very useful. There are lots of case studies, so I can assign some and make some optional. -- Steve Jurek, State University of New York, Brockport
