The Weakness of Postcommunist Civil Society

Issue Date January 2002
Volume 13
Issue 1
Page Numbers 157-169
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Recent studies suggest that civil society in the postcommunist countries is significantly weaker than in other types of democracies, old or new. Can this legacy of communism be overcome? If not, what are the implications for democracy?

About the Author

Marc Morjé Howard is assistant professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland, College Park. This article draws on his book, The Weakness of Civil Society in Post-Communist Europe (Cambridge University Press, 2002).

View all work by Marc Morjé Howard

Further Reading

Volume 23, Issue 4

The Opening in Burma: Strengthening Civil Society

For the country to develop, it needs an informed and engaged citizenry that has the knowledge and freedom to question those in power.

Volume 11, Issue 3

Russia Under Putin: The Feudal Analogy

The analogy with feudalism helps us understand the baffling changes that unexpectedly appeared during the transition away from communist rule.

Volume 2, Issue 1

After Leninism: Why Democracy Can Work in Eastern Europe

Read the full essay here.