Communist Parties in Transition: Structures, Leaders, and Processes of Democratization in Eastern Europe
Author(s)
Ishiyama, John T.
Abstract
The collapse of Communism did not lead to the extinction of Communist parties in eastern and central Europe. Although several Communist parties collapsed with the end of Communism, many have attempted to adapt themselves to new political conditions. What accounts for the divergent paths followed by the Communist parties of eastern Europe? This article contends that the way in which Communist parties transform themselves into political parties which can “play by the rules” depends on the interaction of their response to electoral incentives, political opportunities, and the structure of competition with the dynamics of leadership transition. Empirical illustrations highlight the importance of leadership transition in subsequent intraparty conflicts.
