Civic Engagement as a Driver of Political Change in Post-Totalitarian States

Abstract

In post-communist countries, democratic transformations are characterized by a complex heterogeneous structure, depending on public participation in the transition to democratic values, active or passive participation of citizens in electoral processes. The purpose of this article is to study the impact of civil society on the processes of democratic transition in post-communist countries. The methodology of the article is based on a comparative analysis and grouping of post-communist countries by the Democracy and Civil Society Development Indices (DCI) in 1990- 2024. The results demonstrate that there is a link between a high level of democracy (Estonia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania, Poland, Croatia) and a high level of civil society involvement in political life in these countries, as well as the resilience and active position of citizens. In countries that have chosen the European course of development, despite the support of the population, democratic transition has been faster and the political situation has stabilized. Instead, in countries where there is external political pressure and involvement (Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Georgia), the active role of society contributed to reforms, although these countries are still in the process of transition and the establishment of democratic values. Civil society in countries with hybrid regimes acts as an agent of pressure on the authorities and support for reforms, but is limited by internal political instability and external influence. At the same time, the role of civil society in these countries is growing, despite a significant gap with countries with a high degree of democratization. The influence of civil society organizations (further – CSOs) in this region remains at an average level, in the form of public control, digitalization and development of e-democracy, and anti-corruption initiatives. The absence of an independent judiciary hinders the development of civil society (further – CS). In countries with authoritarian regimes, the role of civil society is rather limited, which leads to its weak influence on political decisions, weakness of the democratic transition, and repressive policies towards civic activists.