Political elites in East Central Europe

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This monograph surveys political elites in East Central Europe, focusing on the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. It is grounded in classic elite theory, adapted to the region's specificities. The work examines the composition of political elites and identifies fragmentation within them. The author argues that these elites have not fully embraced democratic values and behaviors. A significant gap exists between the formal democratic institutions in ECE and the actual conduct of political elites, which presents challenges both domestically and at the EU level. This gap raises questions about the democratic achievements since 1989. The analysis highlights urgent challenges within ECE political systems, particularly the need for reform among political elites. Key topics include the importance of analyzing ECE elites, forms of elite formation and activity, patterns of elite behavior, and the effects of institutional changes post-1989. It also explores the relationship between Europeanization and Euroscepticism, providing case studies from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Ultimately, the book examines the implications of elite attitudes for European integration and questions whether these elites are capable of effectively engaging with Europeanization.