Slovenian Politics and the State

(Hardback)

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Description

Slovenia is regarded today as a free country and consolidated democracy, with some problems with corruption, independent media, and independent judiciary. Since its independence in 1991, Slovenia has put in place democratic institutions of state organization, undergone major capital rearrangements, and achieved both of the starting objectives of new international involvement by entering the EU and NATO. On January 1st, 2007, Slovenia was the first among former socialist countries to take on the common European currency. Slovenia has been subject to highly varying assessments during the construction of its democratic political system; it has been acknowledged as a ripe democracy, complete democracy, or, alternatively, apparent or virtual democracy. The move negative assessments of the Slovenian political system are related to the persistence of authoritarian behavior patterns and manipulation of democratic institutions that have found its way into the structures of political parties. This book follows the Slovenian evolution from the second-smallest Yugoslav republic to one of the most successful post-communist countries in Central Europe.

Reviews

A skillfully organized study of Slovenian politics that offers insightful analysis and rich information on Slovenia and its state building, of which every scholar of European politics should be aware. Authors have addressed specific problems and dilemmas largely unknown to most academics. The book answers the question of why Slovenia is, for the last quarter of the century, one of the most successful transitional democracies in Central and Eastern Europe. -- Peter Csanyi, Stephen F. Austin State University
An indispensable book and essential guide for all who teach and study the achievements and failures of Slovenias twenty-five years of independent state and democratic regime. The authors provide excellent background information, in-depth description of key political factors, as well as Communist and pre-Communist history to explain the character of Slovenian democracy and its ongoing challenges in the area of democracy building through political institutions and participation, as well as the civil society and its relationship to the European Union. -- Peter Roi, Santa Clara University
Is Slovenia a successful model of democratic transition In Slovenian Politics and the State the authors Haek, Kukovi, and Brezovek argue that this might be the case. While some flaws persist in this young European countrys politics, democracy has become the only game in town. In this volume, the authors offer a detailed analysis of the Slovenian political system, the recent history of transition, dynamics of political participation, and relations to the European Union. For anyone interested in Eastern European politics and Slovenia in particular this book is a must read. -- Damir Kapidzic, University of Sarajevo
By historical, political, and legal scrutiny, using a wide-range of scientific methods and instruments, the authors guide the reader through the multi-layered structure of the Slovenian political system, as well as political culture and young Slovenian consolidated sui generis democracy. This book also makes noteworthy remarks on rule of law, civil society, human rights protection, and other constituent elements of the political system. This book takes into distinct and credible consideration in particular the processes of democratic transition and consolidation, constitution, division of power, regional and local self-government, political participation, dynamics of Slovenian democracy, and the relationship between Slovenia and the European Union. -- Zarije Seizovi, University of Sarajevo

Author Bio

Miro Haek is professor of political science at the University of Ljubljana. Marjan Brezovek is professor of political science at the University of Ljubljana. Simona Kukovi is assistant professor and researcher of political science at the University of Ljublijana.