This timely book examines the imminent dangers to European stability: the socio-economic crisis of global production that has reinforced structural inequalities; the climate crisis and its associated environmental degradation; and the onset and fallout of Covid-19. Placing the triple crisis in the context of EU, European and global geographies, it introduces a new conceptual framework to describe continuing systemic crisis and change in the EU. Based on a rich and varied array of source material, Attila Agh offers a new insight into the future of European politics through twin conceptual pillars: 'Awaking Europe', which describes a Re-United Europe that brings together its key regions; and 'Emerging Europe', which refers to the upgrading of EU mechanisms to shape Europe as a global player through multilateralism. Presenting an integrative analysis of the triple crisis and its management, it describes and dissects the overarching creative crisis of the EU and the major direction of the Union's strategy for renewal. Incisive and provocative, this book is critical reading for scholars and researchers in political science, European studies and economics, particularly those focusing on EU economic policy and the relationships between global powers. It will also benefit policymakers looking for innovative approaches to social investment and sustainable development.

The dramatic decline of democracy in East-Central Europe (ECE) has attracted worldwide attention, presenting a significant challenge to European models of liberal democracy. This timely book tackles the heart of this region's complexity, unpacking the socio-economic, political and cultural developments of the ECE countries. Attila Agh demonstrates the key turning point in 2010, when the region's political trajectory shifted from chaotic democracy to authoritarian rule. Moving beyond the narrow spectrum of political 'event history' deployed by ECE parties and governments, the author offers a complex analysis of the changes to the region, exploring the deep, systemic causes of hard populism. Examining the fascinating relationship between ECE countries, Europe and the world, Agh outlines the future of democracy in the region, exploring perspectives of re-democratization by the new generation raised under the auspices of EU democracy. Declining Democracy in East-Central Europe provides researchers in both political and European studies with a unique insight into the rapidly diverging pathways of European democracies. Agh's detailed approach to the ECE region will also benefit experts in regional studies, moving beyond political narratives of individual countries and analysing the region as a whole.

This book offers a comprehensive analytical comparison of the democratization process in twelve countries of East Central Europe and the Balkans. It characterizes the types of democratization which have occurred in the region from 1989 until the end of 1997 and sets these recent changes within the framework of the political history of the countries. Emerging Democracies in East Central Europe and the Balkans takes a unique look at the democratization process using evidence which is not readily available in the existing literature. It examines less well-known countries including Albania and Macedonia, and more complex countries such as Serbia. Atilla agh analyses the political, parliamentary and party developments from a comparative perspective both within the countries themselves and within the region as a whole. Considering all countries within the same theoretical framework, he also examines the long-term historical dimension and legacies of political culture. In addition, he analyses the goals of achieving Euro-Atlantic integration and the preparation of full membership to NATO and the European Union. Finally, he compares these new democracies with developments in Southern Europe and Latin America. This book will be welcomed by scholars and students of comparative politics and politics of emerging democracies as well as government officials and policymakers.