Since the 1989 fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, Romania, arguably the most regimented of states in the Soviet bloc, has struggled with the transition from totalitarian state to democratic nation. In this insightful examination of modern Romania, Tom Gallagher provides an overview of Romania's unique political and social history, focusing on both its national identity as well as the legacy of Soviet rule. Gallagher provides an in-depth look at Romania since 1989, focusing on the government's attempts at economic reform, engagement with democracy, problems with corruption among the ruling elite, as well as the weakness of civil society and the resilience of implacable expressions of nationalism. Ultimately, Gallagher argues that thus far democracy has essentially failed in Romania. In fact, he warns that Romania is on its way to becoming one of the most unequal states in Europe and quite possibly a future trouble-spot unless efforts to resume much-needed reforms are undertaken.
Tom Gallagher holds the Chair of Ethnic Conflict and Peace at Bradford University. He is the author of many books, most recently Outcast Europe Balkans From The Ottomans To Milosevic: 1789 - 1989.
Acknowledgements BiographiesAcronyms Maps Introduction Chapters CONTENTS 1. Democracy constrained by Backwardness, 1866-1945 2. Return to Underdevelopment: the Imposition and Consequences of Communist Rule, 1945-1989 3. Comrades Discard the Ideology but Conserve 4. Romania Adrift, 1992-1996 5. 'In Office but not in Power': Constantinescu's Honeymoon, 1996-1998 6. A Broken-backed Coalition 7. Staggering to the Finishing Line 8. Taking Things to Extremes: the 2000 Elections and their Outcome 9. A Messiah for Romania? Corneliu Vadim Tudor and the Greater Romania Party 10. Looters of the State by Appointment of Brussels: Return of the Social Democrats, 2001-2003 Notes Bibliography Index
"Gallagher thinks in neat, clear categories and writes with a style to match." -Foreign Affairs "[T]his volume serves as an excellent introduction...For those familiar with the country, Gallagher offers much food for thought, and although some may not agree with the tenor of his conclusions, there can be no doubt that he has pointed to some of the important issues that Romania must grapple with as it enters this new phase of European Union membership." -Slavic Review "Modern Romania makes a significant contribution to the political history of Romania and Central Europe, as well as to the literature on the dynamics of political and social change in the region. The book has special merit in identifying a number of factors that threaten the stability of democracy in Romania--the most insidious of these being the endemic corruption which affects all aspects of society. Gallagher sounds a timely warning note about Romania's future." -Dennis Deletant,author of Ceausescu and the Securitate
