Cultures of Democracy in Serbia and Bulgaria
Cultures of Democracy in Serbia and Bulgaria

Author: Dr James Dawson

Publisher: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.

Published: 2014-12-28

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 1472443101

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At a time when some EU member states are attracting attention for the rise to power of illiberal, anti-democratic political movements, this book’s analytical focus on ideas and identities helps explain why institutional progress is not necessarily reflected in the formation of liberal, democratic publics. Starting from the premise that citizens can only uphold the institutions of liberal democracy when they understand and identify with the principles enshrined in them, the author applies normative public sphere theory to the analysis of political discourse and everyday discussion in Serbia and Bulgaria. From this perspective, the Serbian public sphere is observed to be more contested, pluralist and, at the margins, liberal than that of Bulgaria. Considering that Bulgaria has been a full EU member since 2007 while Serbia remains stuck in the waiting room, it is argued that democratic cultures are not shaped by elite-led drives to meet institutional criteria but rather by the spread of ideas through politics, the media and the discussions of citizens. Moving beyond the narrow focus on institutions that currently prevails in studies of democratization, this book demonstrates the value of a more ethnographic and society-oriented approach.

Bulgaria and Europe
Bulgaria and Europe

Author: Stefanos Katsikas

Publisher: Anthem Press

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 271

ISBN-13: 1843318466

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'Bulgaria and Europe: Shifting Identities' offers a comprehensive analysis of Bulgaria's relationship with the European continent, focusing particularly on its accession to the EU and the aftermath.

Bulgaria In Transition
Bulgaria In Transition

Author: John D. Bell

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-05-20

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 0429723830

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Since the forced resignation of Todor Zhivkov in November of 1989, Bulgaria's transition to democracy has been marked by good beginnings ending in frustration or disappointment. It has avoided the violent ethnic confrontations that have characterized much of the "post-Communist" Balkans, but has also seen the development of an influential criminal

Bulgaria - Culture Smart!
Bulgaria - Culture Smart!

Author: Juliana Tzvetkova

Publisher: Culture Smart! The Essential G

Published: 2015-06-18

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781857337136

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An illuminating and practical guide to Bulgarian culture and society. It will help you turn your visit whether its for business of for pleasure into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: local customs and traditions; the impact of history, religion and politics; the Bulgarians at home, work and play; eating and drinking Bulgarian style; dos, don'ts and taboos; business practices; communication, spoken and unspoken, and many practical tips for managing the unexpected.

Bulgaria's Democratic Institutions at Thirty
Bulgaria's Democratic Institutions at Thirty

Author: Kjell Engelbrekt

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2020-05-21

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 1793607737

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Thirty years after Bulgaria’s democratic breakthrough, this book provides a “balance sheet” of the country’s democratic institutions through a number of interdisciplinary contributions. The volume is organized around three themes—democratic institutions, civil society, and European Union (EU) processes—and examines such topics such as voting, political parties, populism, media, civil society organizations, identity, and the rule of law. While the contributors argue that Bulgaria’s democracy is successful in terms of the procedural norms of democracy, civic participation, and compliance with EU rules, they also identify serious problem areas. Bulgaria’s democratic institutions struggle with obstacles such as populist Euroscepticism, political elitism, corruption, and a lack of political accountability, though this volume fully acknowledges the historical development of Bulgarian democracy, including its achievements and continuing setbacks.

Who Owns the Past?
Who Owns the Past?

Author: Deema Kaneff

Publisher: Berghahn Books

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 9781845452988

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Post-socialist development in Bulgaria has led to fundamental changes in social life and political relations and threatened village identity. This study underlinessome of the fundamental processes at work across eastern Europe that explain the widespread ambiguity in regard to post-socialist reform.

Performing Democracy
Performing Democracy

Author: Donna A. Buchanan

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2006-01-02

Total Pages: 554

ISBN-13: 9780226078267

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CD contains musical excerpts referenced in the text.

Bulgaria under Communism
Bulgaria under Communism

Author: Ivaylo Znepolski

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-10-11

Total Pages: 443

ISBN-13: 1351244892

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The book traces the history of communist Bulgaria from 1944 to 1989. A detailed narrative-cum-study of the history of a political system, it provides a chronological overview of the building of the socialist state from the ground up, its entrenchment into the peaceful routine of everyday life, its inner crises, and its gradual decline and self-destruction. The book is the definitive and the most complete guide to Bulgaria under communism and how the communist system operates on a day-to-day level.

Cultures of Democracy in Serbia and Bulgaria
Cultures of Democracy in Serbia and Bulgaria

Author: James Dawson

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-05-13

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 131715570X

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At a time when some EU member states are attracting attention for the rise to power of illiberal, anti-democratic political movements, this book’s analytical focus on ideas and identities helps explain why institutional progress is not necessarily reflected in the formation of liberal, democratic publics. Starting from the premise that citizens can only uphold the institutions of liberal democracy when they understand and identify with the principles enshrined in them, the author applies normative public sphere theory to the analysis of political discourse and everyday discussion in Serbia and Bulgaria. From this perspective, the Serbian public sphere is observed to be more contested, pluralist and, at the margins, liberal than that of Bulgaria. Considering that Bulgaria has been a full EU member since 2007 while Serbia remains stuck in the waiting room, it is argued that democratic cultures are not shaped by elite-led drives to meet institutional criteria but rather by the spread of ideas through politics, the media and the discussions of citizens. Moving beyond the narrow focus on institutions that currently prevails in studies of democratization, this book demonstrates the value of a more ethnographic and society-oriented approach.