Full Description
In Fragile Dreams, John A. Gould examines Central European communism, why it failed, and what has come since. Moving loosely chronologically from 1989 to the present, each chapter focuses on topics of importance to the fields of comparative politics, sociology, and feminist and gender studies. He draws heavily from his own research and experience as well as case studies of the former Czechoslovakia, Western Balkans, and Hungary—but much of the analysis has general applicability to the broader postcommunist region.
Broad in its coverage, this academically rigorous book is ideal for students, travelers, and general readers. Gould writes in the first person and seamlessly blends theory with stories both from the existing literature and from 30 years of regional personal experience with family and friends. Throughout, Gould introduces key concepts, players, and events with precise definitions. Wherever possible, he emphasizes marginalized narratives, centering theory and stories that are often overlooked in standard comparative political science literature.
Contents
Preface and Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Revolutions: The fall of communism as witnessed from a beer barrel and beyond
Chapter 2. Communism: The political importance of telling a good story
Chapter 3: Neoliberalism: Why BMWs don't just randomly explode!
Chapter 4. Nationalism: Liberalism's evil twin screws up the Enlightenment
Chapter 5: Ethnic Conflict: The breakup of Yugoslavia through a feminist lens
Chapter 6. "Transitology": How I joined the global conspiracy against Slovakia
Chapter 7. Humanitarian Intervention: Liberalism weaponized in the Western Balkans
Chapter 8. International Relations: The West Gets Cocky
Chapter 9. Homophobia: Intersectionality and the political uses of fear
Chapter 10. Populism: Austerity, fear and loathing on Central Europe's periphery
Chapter 11. Illiberal Democracy: The Political Economy of Hungary's Liberal Unraveling
Liberalism's fragile dream
