Political Change in Post-Communist Slovakia and Croatia: From Nationalist to Europeanist

Revealing how the quest for independence and challenges of democratization created a contest between nationalists and Europeanists, two powerful forces in domestic politics, after the collapse of communism, Fisher sheds light on the nationalism and post-communist transitions.

"Sharon Fisher captures the essence of the revolutionary transformation in two newly independent Central European states. Both Slovakia and Croatia overcame weighty political obstacles during their progress from communist federal units to democratic sovereign states. Their challenges and successes in entering the pan-European fold can serve as examples to all remaining post-communist countries struggling with divisive nationalism and stifling authoritarianism."

- Janusz Bugajski, Center for Strategic and International Studies

"This volume contributes to understanding several intertwined aspects of post-communist developments in East Europe. Disdaining stereotypes, Fisher explores in depth the instrumental nationalism of the ruling elites of these two states and the political culture of the populations that, for a time, supported them. A dynamic analysis, this work explores both how nationalists came to power and how they lost it. Throughout, Fisher utilizes an effective comparative focus and shows a keen assessment of the relative power of domestic and international factors. This is a comprehensive, first-rate study."

- Ronald H. Linden, Professor of Political Science, University of Pittsburgh

"This is a clear and illuminating comparative study of two 'laggards' of the democratic transition who eventually overcame the temptation of authoritarian nationalism. Through a remarkable analysis of Slovakia and Croatia, Sharon Fisher makes a point of broader significance, suggesting that the dilemma between 'Nationalists' and 'Europeanists' represented two phases (two faces) of the post-communist change in much of East-Central Europe." - Jacques Rupnik, Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques, Paris

SHARON FISHER is Senior Economist at Global Insight in Washington DC, USA.