This seminar introduces to the basics of transition research. Theoretically and empirically we focus on the choice and change of pivotal political institutions in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe as well as of the Former Soviet Union.

This course is addressed to students who are interested in both political as well as economic changes and challenges in the Postcommunist world. We discuss theories of revolution and transition in order to understand the causes of regime breakdown in the countries of Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union as well as its consequences mainly with regard to the stabilization and efficiency of dem