Publisher's Synopsis
The three main currents in twentieth century political thought and practice "fascism, liberalism, and social democracy", emerged not in isolation from one another, but rather as competing and conflicting ideologies connected with particular social strata in different parts of Central Europe. That historical legacy continues to exert influence on popular perceptions and the relationship of contemporary political parties in the post-communist world. This volume of essays seeks to place the forces of Neo-Liberalism, Social Democracy, and Neo-Fascism within their historical perspective and their appeal to contemporary constituencies. In addressing the left, center, and right political elements, an international group of authors presents detailed analyses of a myriad of political options, including the skinheads and Neo-Nazis of central Europe, Hungarian Social Democracy, the Civic Forum in the Czech Republic, the party system in Slovakia, the development of FPÖ in Austria, and the Radical right in the Czech Republic. Papers also document the fall and rise of Social Democracy in the Czech Republic, the undermining of Slovak democracy, and Austrian Social Democracy before and after 1945. Concluding articles reflect on the limitations of Liberalism in Hungary and the ideology and role of socialist parties in the post-socialist milieu of Eastern-Central Europe. This book will be invaluable in providing the historical environment with an understanding of a vibrant, sometimes turbulent political arena.
