1141. Civil Society From Abroad: the Role of Foreign Assistance in the Democratization of Poland
- Author:
- Grzegorz Ekiert and Jan Kubik
- Publication Date:
- 02-2000
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University
- Abstract:
- For a long time, the prevailing modes of conceptualizing regime transformations underplayed the role and importance of external actors, influences, and linkages. "Domestic factors - O'Donnell and Schmitter asserted - play a predominant role in the transition" (1986:19). This statement reflects both the peculiarities of the early cases belonging to the third wave of democratization and the limitations of the analytical outlook predominant at that time. Only recently did students of regime transitions recognized the role of external factors and foreign influences in shaping democratization in Eastern Europe and other regions (Pridham 1995; Pridham, Herring, and Sanford, eds. 1997). Perhaps this is because such factors have become more pronounced in recent years.
- Topic:
- Democratization and International Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe and Poland