Eastern Europe after Communism

Abstract

At first sight, the nations of Eastern Europe are hardly a coherent group of political systems. Their languages are Slavonic, Romance and Finno-Ugrian. Their religions are Orthodox Christian, Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Muslim. Their historical experience falls partly within the mainstream of European civilisation, and partly outside it. And their relations with each other have hardly been harmonious: even today, national boundaries are under challenge, and there are substantial minorities beyond national boundaries — like the Hungarians in Romania, or the Poles in Lithuania — that are a constant source of tension. After the communist era, the very designation of the ‘lands in between’ has become controversial. The region can hardly be called ‘Slavic’, if the Hungarians and others are to be included. But should be known as Eastern Europe, with its connotations of Soviet control, or Central Europe, or East-Central Europe? Is there a distinct and separate ‘Balkan’ identity, embracing Greece as well as the post-communist states of the area? Indeed, can any single term adequately encompass such a variety of cultures and political experiences?