From ‘Democratic Backsliding’ to ‘Re-Democratizing’: Understanding How East European Countries Get Back on a Liberal Democratic Course

Abstract

For at least the past decade, the academic literature on Eastern Europe has been dominated by discussions of ‘democratic backsliding’, the rise of radical right and populist parties and movements, and the apparent illiberal turn in countries previously viewed as being on a secure path to democratic consolidation. The decline of democratic processes, institutions and values has been explored comparatively and from various perspectives, including most recently ‘from below’ (Vachudova et al 2024). Whilst there is certainly an abundance of evidence to suggest that most of the East European states face serious challenges from illiberal and anti-democratic forces, there is also the case of Poland which, since the 2023 election of Civic Platform (Platforma Obywatelska) is clearly committed under the leadership of Donald Tusk to restoring liberal democracy after eight years of populist state capture and returning to a ‘European’ and liberal path. But it is not just the case of Poland that is worthy of consideration; the three Baltic states have also managed to avoid lurches to the far-right with no evidence of ‘democratic backsliding’ or an illiberal turn. Of course, others, such as Slovakia have pivoted back to populist and far-right conservative government after a brief liberal democratic interlude. The panel will address the following questions: (i) Does it make sense to talk about ‘re-democratisation’ and if so, what might the process involve? (ii) Where East European countries have attempted to return to a liberal democratic path, even if this has been short-lived, what actions have their governments taken to overturn backsliding? Who have been the enablers, and who the spoilers? Are there specific legacies from the transition to democracy after 1989 that seem to be exerting an effect? (iii) What, if any, lessons can be learnt for parts of the region (e.g. the Western Balkans) or states (Hungary) that seem steadfastly locked into an authoritarian path? Is there something specific about Poland and the Baltic states that has enabled them to change course, or at least resist? The panel brings together established and early career scholars working on single case or comparative studies looking at how East European countries re-build democratic institutions and processes after periods of radical-right / populist / illiberal rule.

Title	Details
Electoral Pathways to Re-Democratization in Central and Southeast Europe - A Comparative Configurational Analysis	View Paper Details
Challenges of Re-Democratisation and Conflicting Logics of Polarisation: The Case of Poland’s 2025 Presidential elections	View Paper Details
Between Democracy and Party Interests: Explaining the Enduring Rule-Of-Law Crisis in Poland	View Paper Details
Post-Populist Climate Politics: Lessons from Poland’s Liberal Reconstruction	View Paper Details
One-Off Election Wonders? Democratic Self-Defense in Eastern Europe	View Paper Details