Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Nations in Transit 2012: Democratization from Central Europe to Eurasia

Since 1995, Freedom House's Nations in Transit series has monitored the status of democratic change from Central Europe to Eurasia, pinpointing the region's greatest reform opportunities and challenges for the benefit of policymakers, researchers, journalists, and democracy advocates alike. Covering 29 countries, Nations in Transit provides comparative ratings and in-depth analysis of electoral process, civil society, independent media, national and local democratic governance, judicial framework, and corruption. Nations in Transit 2012 evaluates developments in these areas from January 1 to December 21, 2011. Review This update of a resource published every two years since 1995 relates the critical, defining shifts occurring within 29 countries between 2009 and early 2011. It offers World Bank nation data and a compilation of the research of 37 field specialists, whose 29 chapter-long essays are divided by standard subheadings such as "Electoral Process," "Independent Media," and "Corruption." Freedom House's by-year, comparative scoring, starting with 2002, allows for quick assessment of each nation's political course. While the book lacks a general bibliography, each essay closes with extensive endnotes indicating specific source titles. VERDICT A noteworthy reference for world politics collections.-- "Library Journal"As post-Communist political experiences further diversify with every passing year, the value of Nations In Transit only grows. Its incisive, objective country surveys cut to the heart of complex political realities, greatly aiding comparative analysis by scholars and policy makers alike.--John Carothers, vice president, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington, D.C.This report plays a critical role in monitoring democratic progress in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and sounds an early warning to policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic.--Jeffrey Gedmin, chief executive officer, Legatum Institute, LondonNations in Transit is an indispensable source; very well researched and reliable.--Michael Emerson, Centre for European Policy Studies, Brussels About the Author Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights.