According to a conventional analysis, Hungary’s politics could be treated as a straightforward contest between the left and the right, assimilating the Western or even specific local – British, French or German – meanings of these terms. This kind of analysis is favoured by much of the Western media and by their counterparts in Hungary. It is a widely-used interpretation technique, but it is also ideological and thus misleading.
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Wanted: self-confident post-communist country with good leadership skills. The successful candidate will be able to represent the interests of former captive nations in the EU and NATO. An exemplary standard of public administration and civic culture is required, plus military muscle, a clear head and strong nerves.
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The 100 days between the time when Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania de facto recovered their independence in August 1991 and the moment when the Soviet Union dissolved in December of that year into 12 newly independent states played and continue to play a key role in defining how these countries view themselves and, moreover, how other countries view them.
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Why Bulgaria is lagging behind even on the eve of its membership.
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This issue of Diplomaatia is devoted to problems in Eastern Europe, discussing both the region as a whole and shedding light on the circumstances in selected countries and sub-regions.
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