Problems with the Research of Political Parties and Party Systems in the Countries of East Central Europe - Several Remarks Cover Image

Problém výzkumu politických stran a stranickcýh systémů v zemích středovýchodní Evropy - několik poznámek
Problems with the Research of Political Parties and Party Systems in the Countries of East Central Europe - Several Remarks

Author(s): Michal Kubát
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Masarykova univerzita nakladatelství
Keywords: Central and Eastern Europe; comparative politics; methodology; political parties and party systems; terminology; theories of parties and party systems;

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with an important topic of the research methodology of the Central and Eastern European political parties. There are many difficulties related to this research; for example, we cannot automatically apply classical theories developed by „Western“ political science in the region. The local circumstances do not allow us to use them without adaptation to specific conditions of post-communist transformation. Another problem is that we cannot study Central and Eastern Europe as an integral region. There are too many political, social, economic and historical specificities and differences. Therefore, it is hard to produce analysis instead of descriptions. First, we should know history of these countries; second, we should choose adequate methodology. Third, we should do case studies in order to know the actual situation in all countries of the region and finally, after all these steps are made, we can try to make analysis of the region as a unitary entity.

  • Issue Year: X/2003
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 269-275
  • Page Count: 5
  • Language: Czech