Focusing on the historical evolution of populism, this analysis delves into the rise of illiberal democracies in Central and Eastern Europe, exploring their implications for democratic and liberal principles. It examines the roots of contemporary political challenges by tracing the development of populism from late nineteenth-century Imperial Russia to modern figures like Viktor Orbán and Jaroslaw Kaczyński. This innovative approach seeks to clarify the complex factors influencing the region's political landscape and the ongoing debates surrounding it.
After World War II, newly established communist regimes in central and eastern Europe promised a rapid social revolution to transform society and pave the way for socialism. While aspects like industrialization, collectivization, and urbanization are well-documented, these regimes also aimed to reshape citizen interactions and perceptions of the world. Utilizing a unique analytical model that combines anthropology, sociology, history, and extensive archival research, scholar Roman Krakovsky examines Czechoslovakia's effort to 'reinvent the world,' including concepts of 'time' and 'space.' His analysis spans from WWII to the fall of the Berlin Wall, exploring themes such as Stakhanovism and unattainable production targets that aimed to showcase socialism's potential. He also discusses efforts to replace Christian values associated with Sunday with socialist ideals and the significant transformations in public and private life, including the culture of informing and its circumventions. Through various case studies, Krakovsky illustrates the extensive reach of the communist vision alongside the flaws and contradictions that ultimately destabilized it. This comprehensive perspective is essential for scholars of twentieth-century history and politics.
