Post-communist democratic revolutions in comparative perspective

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Post-communist democratic revolutions have occurred in six countries: Slovakia (1998), Croatia (1999-2000), Serbia (2000), Georgia (2003), Ukraine (2004), and Kyrgyzstan (2005). This volume comprises seven chapters that analyze these events from a theoretical and comparative standpoint, drawing on extensive field research by political scientists focused on comparative democratization, regime politics, and electoral studies in the post-communist context. Contributions from scholars such as Valerie Bunce, Sharon Wolchik, and Steven Levitsky delve into various regime types and opposition strategies, examining the diffusion of these strategies across states, the role of youth NGOs in mobilizing democratic movements, and the effectiveness of non-violent opposition tactics. The text also discusses theoretical explanations for the success or failure of these revolutions and the divergent paths taken by post-revolutionary states. It highlights challenges faced by Serbia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan in consolidating their democratic gains, including the resilience of ousted regimes and their ability to stage counter-revolutions. This volume offers critical insights into why some democratic upheavals succeed while others falter, making it essential reading for scholars and policymakers interested in the dynamics of post-communist transitions.