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This article explores how the study of post-communism has transformed comparative politics by adding a substantial role for external actors to existing theories of democratization. The big, overarching finding is dramatic: external actors can, under certain conditions, tip the balance in favor of democracy by offering strong rewards to elites, conditional on complying with tough requirements. External actors can also influence the performance of the state—and how the state treats its citizens. The main causal player is the European Union. This simple finding is consequential for all three major strands of democratization theory. The article goes on to explore how the leverage of the European Union has shaped the trajectories of political change in the new and credible future EU members in East Central and South Eastern Europe. The great variation among existing and candidate members can be largely explained by different domestic conditions, even though there are many areas where the EU’s use of its leverage could have been improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europe is again a divided continent. When it comes to governance, political economy, or values, two contrasting poles have emerged: one Western, liberal, and democratic, another Eastern, statist, and autocratic. The dividing line between them has become ever sharper, threatening to separate Europe into two distinct worlds. This new divide in Europe arises from a clash between two geopolitical concepts for the continent: One is the Western project of a “Europe whole and free,” an enlarging zone of economic cooperation, political interdependency, and democratic values. The other is the Russian project of a “Eurasian Union” to rival the European Union. This article shows how these two sides of Europe have grown further apart in their conceptions of the European space, their values, governance, and economic models. It explores the reasons for the belated Western responses to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s program to divide Europe. The Russo-Georgian war was a turning point, but the West took a long time to recognize the full implications of Putin’s policy. The current confrontation between Russia and the West is not exactly like the Cold War. Russia’s position is weaker. And the battle will be fought out primarily with economic instruments. However, it is clear that this conflict places Central and Eastern Europe back on the front lines of a divided Europe, raising any number of demons from the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented is a political survey of the country of Poland for the year 2009. It is noted that significant changes were made to cabinet posts following charges of political corruption leveled at the government. A number of other events and developments are discussed including the fact that Poland was the only member state of the European Union that enjoyed positive economic growth during 2009, the brief term in office of Andrzej Czuma as minister of justice, and undue government influence on legislation regulating the gambling industry.

The article looks at the government of Poland in 2004. Several national political issues are discussed, including Poland's accession to the European Union, the resignation of Prime Minister Leszek Miller, and his replacement by Marek Belka. The trial of film producer Lew Rywin, who was found guilty of fraud, is discussed. The actions of various political parties are reviewed, including the Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej, the Civic Platform, and the Freedom Union. Changes made to the electoral process of the European Parliament are also mentioned.

Presents information on politics in Poland as of December 2004. Referendum on the membership of Poland in the European Union; Changes in the cabinet in 2003; Failure of the government's domestic policies; Ejection of the Polish Peasant Party (PSL) from the ruling coalition and dismissal of two PSL ministers; Scandals involving the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) leaders.

Presents an overview of political issues in Poland in 2002. Acceptance of Poland as member of the European Union; Replacement of ministers Andrzej Celinski of Culture and Barbara Piwnik of Justice; Bribery scandal published by the "Gazeta Wyborcza" involving Wanda Rapaczynska, president of the company Agora, Adam Michnik, editor-in-chief of "Gazeta," and film producer Lew Rywin.