The Transition to Democracy in Hungary
Árpád Göncz and the Post-Communist Hungarian Presidency
By Dae Soon Kim | Publisher: Taylor and Francis
About the book
Unlike in other countries of Eastern Europe where the opposition to communism came in the form of single mass movements led by charismatic leaders such as Václav Havel and Lech Wa??sa, in Hungary the opposition was very fragmented, brought together and made effective only by the authoritative, significant but relatively unknown Árpád Göncz, who subsequently became Hungary’s first post-communist president.
This book charts the political career of Árpád Göncz, outlining the outstanding contribution he made to Hungary’s transition to democracy. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including archives and interviews with Göncz himself and others, it shows how Göncz, unlike Havel who was a playwright and whose political role was largely symbolic, was a campaigning politician all his life, consistently advocating social democratic, but not communist, values. Imprisoned from 1956 for his participation in the 1956 uprising, Göncz was a highly-effective political operator in the transition period around 1989, and as president wielded real power effectively. As politics in Hungary are again marred by deep division and fragmentation, Göncz’s success in bringing rival groups together is even more pronounced.
Editions of The Transition to Democracy in Hungary
- EBook
- ISBN 9781135045500
- PDF
- ISBN 9781135045517
Read an Excerpt
Unlike in other countries of Eastern Europe where the opposition to communism came in the form of single mass movements led by charismatic leaders such as Václav Havel and Lech Wa??sa, in Hungary the opposition was very fragmented, brought together and made effective only by the authoritative, significant but relatively unknown Árpád Göncz, who subsequently became Hungary’s first post-communist president.
This book charts the political career of Árpád Göncz, outlining the outstanding contribution he made to Hungary’s transition to democracy. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including archives and interviews with Göncz himself and others, it shows how Göncz, unlike Havel who was a playwright and whose political role was largely symbolic, was a campaigning politician all his life, consistently advocating social democratic, but not communist, values. Imprisoned from 1956 for his participation in the 1956 uprising, Göncz was a highly-effective political operator in the transition period around 1989, and as president wielded real power effectively. As politics in Hungary are again marred by deep division and fragmentation, Göncz’s success in bringing rival groups together is even more pronounced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Transition to Democracy in Hungary about?
Unlike in other countries of Eastern Europe where the opposition to communism came in the form of single mass movements led by charismatic leaders such as Václav Havel and Lech Wa??sa, in Hungary the opposition was very fragmented, brought together and made effective only by the authoritative, significant but relatively unknown Árpád Göncz, who subsequently became Hungary’s first post-communist president.
This book charts the political career of Árpád Göncz, outlining the outstanding contribution he made to Hungary’s transition to democracy. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including archives and interviews with Göncz himself and others, it shows how Göncz, unlike Havel who was a playwright and whose political role was largely symbolic, was a campaigning politician all his life, consistently advocating social democratic, but not communist, values. Imprisoned from 1956 for his participation in the 1956 uprising, Göncz was a highly-effective political operator in the transition period around 1989, and as president wielded real power effectively. As politics in Hungary are again marred by deep division and fragmentation, Göncz’s success in bringing rival groups together is even more pronounced.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Transition to Democracy in Hungary?
Earth Sciences, Geography, Environment, Planning > Geography > Regional geography
Where can I read a sample of The Transition to Democracy in Hungary?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781135045500
Is The Transition to Democracy in Hungary part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series BASEES/Routledge Series on Russian and East European Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Transition to Democracy in Hungary?
Dae Soon Kim
Who is the Publisher of the book The Transition to Democracy in Hungary?
Taylor and Francis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Transition to Democracy in Hungary is available as ebook(ISBN 9781135045500) and pdf(ISBN 9781135045517)