Transitology in Post-Communist Societies

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Introduction

Transitology is a unique theoretical direction that explains the transition from authoritarianism to democracy. Being a theoretical concept, transitology guides the standard fare, the prevailing organizing theme, and the way of posing questions (Gans-Morse, 2004, p. 321). It is important to note that in the post-communist region the process of change differs from other forms of transition previously met and considered by social scientists.

Theoretical Framework

For all post-communist theories, modernization is the basis. Modernization is a model of transition from traditional to modern society, including urbanization, improvements in education, and new forms of communication technology (Gans-Morse, 2004, p. 321).

Critics Opinion

Critics such as Cohen, Reddaway and Glinski present various points of view for the interpretation and consideration. However, they all agree that transitology is a semblance of modernization and is not justified or constructive. Some authors discuss the theory as an open-ended transformation, while others highlight the theological transmission. Moreover, while having different approaches to post-communism study, scholars agree that existing theories, whether they are transitology, modernization theory, or other approaches, only perform a starting point at best (Gans-Morse, 2004, p. 324).

Searching for Transitologists

In post-communism literature, transitology is often referred to as near orthodoxy, correct line, and hegemonic 131 articles were analyzed in Searching for Transitologists: Contemporary Theories of Post-Communist Transitions and the Myth of a Dominant Paradigm with some of them referencing the regime change, transitions literature and modernization. The process is sometimes described as breaking down of authoritarian rule and the creation of a new regime (Gans-Morse, 2004, p. 331).

Conclusion

In the articles, authors often interpret transitology in different ways and also argue about the analogy of applying the theory to other countries since there is a difference in the transitions of society depending on the country. The main common goal of the discussion is to move from the modernization theory and transitology and build a new theory (Gans-Morse, 2004).

Reference

Gans-Morse, J. (2004). Searching for transitologists: Contemporary theories of post-communist transitions and the myth of a dominant paradigm. Post-Soviet Affairs, 20(4), 320-349.

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