Civil Society In Bulgaria

Since the fall of communism in 1989 Southeast Europe has been a site of far-reaching societal transformation, much of it marked by political crisis, economic upheaval, ethnic tension, and bitter war. The book comprises articles investigating the history and development of civil society in post-communist Southeast Europe. How is civil society to be grasped, what are the historical factors shaping the civil societies of the region?, what is the function of civil society in the transition to democracy and a market-economy?, and what are the prospects for the future development of the civil societies of the region in an age of globalization?, –these are just a few of the major questions addressed in this collection of articles. Many of the authors are social scientists, philosophers, and activists from the region, offering first-hand critical analysis of the state of civil society in Southeast Europe and suggesting theoretical and practical strategies for the future course of its development. The aim is to provide the reader with insight into the complex challenges that face the civil societies of the region.

Thirty years after Bulgaria’s democratic breakthrough, this book provides a “balance sheet” of the country’s democratic institutions through a number of interdisciplinary contributions. The volume is organized around three themes—democratic institutions, civil society, and European Union (EU) processes—and examines such topics such as voting, political parties, populism, media, civil society organizations, identity, and the rule of law. While the contributors argue that Bulgaria’s democracy is successful in terms of the procedural norms of democracy, civic participation, and compliance with EU rules, they also identify serious problem areas. Bulgaria’s democratic institutions struggle with obstacles such as populist Euroscepticism, political elitism, corruption, and a lack of political accountability, though this volume fully acknowledges the historical development of Bulgarian democracy, including its achievements and continuing setbacks.

Directly relates to current Ukraine crisis. Russia's Black Sea fleet is based in Ukrainian port of Sebastapol (Crimea). This work brings together scholars from a variety of disciplines on a region vitally important in current international relations for Europe, Russia and the Near East, offering fresh perspective combining regional 'insiders' and 'outsider' international experts. If ideas of 'civil society' democratisation are Western in nature then how should one examine these trends in a non-Western society? This book presents a variety of experiences of civil society, looking at representation, participation and power relations in countries such as the Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Caucasus area. It is a rare combination of 'insider' perspectives of regional experts and the 'outsider' views of international experts.

Providing a detailed empirical account of the ongoing political, social and economic transformation of the country, this book assesses the post-communist period in Bulgaria and examines the development of the democratization process so far.