Uncover the surprising story of Poland's post-communist transformation. Using unique longitudinal data from the Polish Panel Survey spanning 30 years, the authors examine the country's transformation from one-party Communist rule, to shock therapy and accession to the European Union, to the rise of nationalist populism. Delve into the social, economic, and political legacies of the Communist era and explore the unequal fortunes of individuals and social groups, the shifting electoral realities of Polish politics, and more. This wide-ranging and insightful analysis offers a holistic understanding of Poland's remarkable journey over the past three decades. Contributors are: Robert M Kunovich, Marcin Ślarzyński, Dariusz Przybysz, Mikołaj Lewicki, Danuta Życzyńska-Ciołek, Małgorzata Mikucka, Nataliia Pohorila, Sandy Marquart-Pyatt, Aaron Ponce, Katarzyna Kopycka

The book is a study of the state of the Polish democracy and focuses on the years 2012 and 2013. It explores available documents and statistical data, offers a collection of experts' judgments, and analyses public opinion research. Ten domains of democracy are covered, some of them as fundamental as the rule of law, the political community or public administration. The study evaluates contemporary Polish democracy as consolidated and assesses it as reasonably effective, although a number of clear shortcomings call for improvements.