Излизане от сянката. Българските усилия, гледани откъм Висла
Going Out of the Shadows. Bulgarian Efforts Viewed from the Vistula

Summary/Abstract: The text treats of the decline of the previous system and the emerging of the democratic order in Bulgaria, at times at the cost of pain and socio-political turmoil. The author portrays the background of social development, its specific traits, and pays attention to national aspirations. Given the range and complexity of the problems discussed, the study fits both in the disciplines of contemporary history and political science. The starting point is the political turnaround of Sofia against the background of the movements for freedom and independence, the magical years 1989–1990 in Central and Eastern Europe, and the subsequent fundamental changes. The state of the political class with its readiness to accept the challenges, and the economic situation of the previous period marked by a structural crisis the outcome of which has not passed without turmoil, constitute an important part of the study. An important segment is dedicated to the international context which determined the place, rank and prestige of the country. The time frame was determined by the rejection of Soviet tutelage, the overcoming of limited sovereignty and subordination of national interests to the ideological values of the hegemonic power. The end of the communist dictatorship opened the prospect of building a civil society and of changes of consciousness reflected by growing opposition. The study deals with Bulgaria’s rightful aspirations to belong to the world beyond the Iron Curtain, to participate in the global economy and share responsibility for the peace order. There are references to the concurrence and similarities between the social demands and political postulates of trade unions and opposition in the “Autumn of the Nations” near Vitosha and the Vistula in their struggle for human rights and decent living conditions. The author reflects on the burden of Zhivkov’s legacy and the nature of the consequences of the past. He gives credit to environmental formations from the “time of decisions”, dwells on Bulgaria’s successful accession to the EU, and recalls acts of historical justice. In its final part, the study focuses on Bulgarian transformation efforts and economic advancement, contribution to defense, and growing role in regional and global politics.

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