Dominant Economy, Subordinated Politics. The Absence of Economic Populism in the Transition of Central-East Europe

An examination of populism, one of the most important political issues of current Hungarian politics, & a crucial issue for all Central & East European countries in the process of transition. Three main theses are developed & defended: (1) structural antagonisms are not a characteristic feature of Central & East European societies; (2) there is no macroeconomic constellation favorable for initiating a populist economic movement in Central & Eastern Europe; (3) recent structural, political, & macroeconomic development may, however, increase vulnerability of this region to economic populism in the forthcoming future. 3 Tables, 33 References. Adapted from the source document.