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Editorial Reviews

Book Description:

As Polish democratic politics evolves it is taking unexpected forms and producing unexpected results. Through a comprehensive analysis of politics in this young European democracy Marjorie Castle and Ray Taras explain the complexity and uncertainty of political processes and outcomes in Poland. The focus here is on contemporary politics: what the fundamental political cleavages are, whether parties adequately represent popular interests, who the political elites are and what games they play, what influence the Catholic Church still holds in an aspiring Western-style secular republic, and what policy challenges face Poland in the future. Inimitable political leaders, changing political arenas, and complex policy-making processes come to life through a fascinating narrative characterized by an insider's insight.

About the Author:

Marjorie Castle is visiting assistant professor of political science at Tulane University and is the author of Triggering Communism's Collapse: Perceptions and Power in Poland's Transition.
Ray Taras is professor of political science at Tulane University and his recent books include Understanding Ethnic Conflict: the International Dimension and Going to Our Fathers' Land: Nationalisms, the State, and Beyond.