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Comparing Postcommunist Political Institutions
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:19
Abstract
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.
Objective
1) Basics of transition research 2) Knowledge of popular theories of institutional choice and change 3) Knowledge of pivotal Post-communist political institutions
Content
This course is addressed to students who are particularly interested in institutional choices and changes in the Postcommunist world. Geographically, we refer to the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEC) as well as to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Substantively, we discuss the building and development of basic democratic institutions (e.g. governmental system, party system, electoral system) from a theoretical and empirical point of view. Beyond it, students will get acquainted with the most popular transition theories, and they will also establish a better understanding of chances and risks of transition.
Resources
Lecture Notes
E-Reader
Literature
Åslund, Anders (2002): Building Capitalism: The Transformation of the Former Soviet Bloc, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Balcerowicz, Leszek (1995): Socialism, Capitalism, and Transformation, Budapest et al.: Central European University Press. Elster, Jon et al. (1998): Institutional Design in Post-communist Societies: Rebuilding the Ship at Sea, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Comparing Postcommunist Political Institutions
Class is held at the University of Zurich, KOL-H-322.
|
|
2 h weekly |