Origin, Ideology and Transformation of Political Parties : East-Central and Western Europe Compared

Two decades have passed since the transition to democracy began in Eastern Europe. Today, West and East-Central European countries share a common political space - the European Union. This has created a fascinating opportunity for analysis of the similarities and differences between these countries. Here, Vít HlouÅ¡ek and Lubomír Kopecek critically apply the party-families approach to political parties in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. With chapters devoted to social democrats, greens, the far right and left amongst many others, this book charts the parties' origins, ideologies, and international ties alongside their Western European counterparts. By examining the political relevance of different party families, HlouÅ¡ek and Kopecek are able to assess the validity of this typology in the analysis of the transformation of political parties in this region. Detailed analysis coupled with an innovative application of the party families approach, makes this essential reading for students of party politics. Two decades have now passed since the transition to democracy began in Eastern Europe, transforming dictatorships into democracies. Today the West and East-Central European countries share a common political space - the European Union. This offers a fascinating perspective for analysis of the similarities and differences, and a search for their roots. In this book, Vit Hlousek and Lubomir Kopecek critically apply the party-families approach to political parties in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. With chapters devoted to social democrats, greens, the far right and left amongst many others, the book charts the party's origins, ideologies, and international ties alongside their Western European counterparts. By examining the political relevance of different party families, Hlousek and Kopecek are able to assess the validity of this typology in the analysis of the transformation of political parties in this region. -- Back cover Applies the party-families approach to political parties in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. With chapters devoted to social democrats, greens, the far right and left amongst many others, this book charts the party's origins, ideologies, and international ties alongside their Western European counterparts By Vít Hloušek And Lubomír Kopeček. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.