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Explores dilemmas in world politics that the revolutions in Eastern Europe have presented the former communist states, the Western alliance, and the states that remain communist. Discusses the situation after World War II, the reforms and revolutions, the reaction in Eastern Europe, theoretical aspects, and prospects. Includes discussion questions, a chronology, and a glossary without pronunciation. Paper edition (1341-4), $12.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Tabla de contenidos provista por Syndetics

• Acknowledgments(p. xi)
• Acronyms(p. xiii)
• Introduction(p. 1)
• 1 The Establishment and Decay of Communism in East-Central Europe(p. 11)
• 2 Reform and Revolution in the Soviet Union and East-Central Europe(p. 43)
• 3 Eastern European Responses to Revolution(p. 69)
• 4 In Search of Explanations: Theories of Social, Economic, and Political Change(p. 105)
• 5 The Postcommunist Era in International Politics(p. 145)
• Discussion Questions(p. 177)
• Notes(p. 180)
• Suggested Readings(p. 189)
• Video Resources(p. 193)
• Glossary(p. 195)
• Chronology(p. 199)
• About the Book and Author(p. 204)
• Index(p. 205)

Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Mason (Butler Univ.) reviews the tumultuous 1989 events in Eastern Europe, including the collapse of Communist party (CP) rule, the call for free elections, and the onset of the transition from centrally planned to free market economies. Brief background of the Communist period is provided as well as review of 1990 elections, early economic reform efforts, and the collapse of the Soviet-East European military and economic alliances (in 1991). Treatment of Soviet reforms and the disintegration of the USSR as well as the collapse of Yugoslavia is more sketchy and presumes prior knowledge on the reader's part. In providing explanations for the East European revolutions, Mason briefly cites Gorbachev's unwillingness to support regimes that did not have their own population's support; CP leaders' recognition that they needed to share power with opposition groups demanding reform and their decision not to maintain power solely by force; and the domino effect and the role of the mass media across international borders. Particular reform-minded leaders both within the opposition (Walesa, Havel) and the CP (Pozsgay) played critical roles in promoting negotiation rather than violent confrontation. Mason covers a lot, which limits inclusion of much detail or in-depth analysis of events, policies, and policy implementation. Some source documentation; bibliography. A useful overview for undergraduate through graduate-level readers.

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

David S. Mason is professor of political science at Butler University. His publications include Public Opinion and Political Change in Poland and Social Justice and Political Change: Public Opinion in Capitalist and Post-Communist States.