Problems of Democracy Before Civil Society: Fathers of the Nation in Pre- and Post-Communist Slovakia
Problems of Democracy Before Civil Society: Fathers of the Nation in Pre- and Post-Communist Slovakia

Summary/Abstract: This paper highlights four ways civil society, operationalized in terms of voluntary associations, transforms voter preferences. These are: increased tolerance for social and political pluralism, decreased support for charismatic father-like politicians, increased support for democratic norms and procedures, and deceased support for populist promises. Next the strength of Slovak civil society in both the interwar period and post-1989 is assessed. It is then empirically demonstrated that support for the HS¼S and the HZDS is associated with the strength (or weakness) of the associational web in Slovakia. Lastly, results of current efforts to develop civil society in Slovakia are briefly discussed.

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