Political corruption in Eastern Europe

Why has political corruption emerged as a major obstacle to successful democratic consolidation in Eastern Europe? Exploring the origins, scope, and impact of political corruption in the region's post-Communist states, Tatiana Kostadinova identifies the factors that favour illicit behaviour and considers how the various forms of malfeasance are threatening democracy.

Rich cross-national data and an in-depth study of Bulgaria reveal how parties and their leaders have exploited the transitional environment for private benefit, as well as how domestic and external forces--including the EU integration process--are constraining corruption. Kostadinova's conclusions point to the policy-relevant implications of her study for Eastern Europe, and for transitional democracies around the world.