Eastern Europe refers to an expansive region in Eastern Europe with diverse linguistic, historical and cultural roots. After communism collapsed, its successor states have increasingly adopted Western European ideals like democracy, market economies and private property ownership as their respective ways of governance have spread through their countries.
GLOBE researchers have discovered that societies in Eastern Europe have strong scores on cultural practices of In-Group Collectivism and Power Distance that foster strong family ties and loyalty towards organizations.
Demographics
Since the collapse of communism and subsequent economic transformation, several factors have led to a decrease in fertility rates across Eastern Europe. These included delays in development and accession to the European Union; various migratory patterns across countries; as well as absorption of Western cultural trends.
These factors are evident in the demographic differences between Eastern and Western Europe, where population densities range from around 105-109 persons per square kilometer – Malta, Luxembourg and Belgium are home to some of the densest populations while Bulgaria remains relatively underpopulated; additionally, Ireland ranks 101.3 out of 118.0 countries when it comes to women outnumbering men.
Low birthrates coupled with international migration are primary factors contributing to population decrease in Eastern and South-eastern Europe; their population dropped by over 20 percent between 1990 and 2000 while Western, Southern, and Northern European populations all saw growth.
Situation is worsening as population in many Eastern and South-eastern European nations continues to decrease. Based on projections made by the UN for 2100, Eastern and Southern-eastern Europe are expected to become net immigration regions; that is, their net outmigration will be offset by migration from elsewhere around the globe. These projections assume that economies in Central and Eastern Europe will develop to match Western European levels of per capita income while remaining attractive for migrants from Africa and West Asia.
Still, even in the standard projections for Eastern and South-eastern Europe, most nations will lose more than a quarter of their current populations over time. Ukraine, Lithuania and Poland stand to lose nearly half their populations; projections are slightly less pessimistic in Russia and Czech Republic but population losses will still be significant.
Culture
Eastern Europe comprises nations that share an intricate cultural legacy that has undergone constant evolution since communist rule was instituted, yet they also differ geographically and politically from one another. They are situated between the Balkan countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia on one side, Baltic republics such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on another, as well as Black Sea/Sea of Azov on their southern edge, as well as Caucasus states such as Armenia Georgia Azerbaijan on their eastern flank. At times, differences can have an enormous effect on a culture. Prior to modernity, Eastern Europeans lived close to cultural centers of Western Europe which encouraged the spread of decorative motifs, architectural styles and iconographic traditions from this area into Eastern Europe. Over time however, Eastern Europe developed distinctive artistic traditions shaped by both local lands and religions as well as those from farther afield such as Asia or the Middle East.
Even as many still view divisions between Western and Eastern Europe as an effect of the Iron Curtain, its influence continues to shape how art is produced and artists are valued on the global art market. This report from GLOBE explores these issues further by detailing findings regarding cluster societal cultures and outstanding leadership attributes in each cluster.
GLOBE’s survey results demonstrate some key differences in attitudes about Europe and its citizens between Western and Eastern Europeans. Westerners tend to identify more strongly as being European if born and raised in a certain country; on the other hand, East Europeans more commonly consider Christianity a part of their identity as Europeans.
Piotrowski was obsessed with developing an approach to East-Central European art that goes beyond mere tokenism, providing for a fundamental reconsideration of how art historical narratives are constructed. Contributors take up this challenge in various ways – some by exploring globalization during early modern period while others focus on more recent trends.
Economy
As eastern European nations emerged from Soviet control and abandoned communism, they set about building democratic institutions and market-oriented economies. Although a daunting task, results have varied considerably: some, like Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania were quick to declare independence from Russia, join NATO and flourish post-transition; other states, like Bulgaria, Romania Poland and Czech Republic have still to establish economic stability; their issues being caused in part by an absence of self-propelling virtuous cycles that would accelerate reform efforts for rapid improvement.
As one of their primary tasks, new governments were challenged with privatizing vast amounts of state property – an undertaking which took years. Many properties were obsolete or poorly built for the collapsed Soviet market and risky to privatize. Privatization occurred through auctions, leases and other mechanisms; now physical assets across eastern Europe are held privately.
State enterprises produce an enormous pool of workers that the new governments are seeking to make the best use of. One approach has been increasing women’s participation in the workforce; other measures may include more flexible work hours and making it easier for employees to leave work to care for children or elderly parents while providing incentives to return when their children have grown up.
East European economies have grown quickly over recent years, yet that growth has recently declined due to rising energy costs and global markets’ slowing down. Furthermore, tightening global financial conditions and weakening world demand continue to exacerbate near-term difficulties; and tightening by most central banks in response to elevated inflation will reduce investment growth further limiting overall growth rates.
Politics
Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, Eastern European states have undergone an incredible period of political transformation. Today they represent an unique and varied presence within a continent which has undergone rapid change across boundaries, values, economic systems and international allegiances. Each of these states presents its own set of problems when considered from either perspective.
At times, these differences arise as the result of history; for instance in Poland and Hungary where illiberal policies imposed by their governments stem from nationalism and ethnic hatred in their histories. Other times they reflect political culture differences; former East Bloc nations generally seem to benefit more from changes that came about after communism was over than ordinary citizens have.
No matter the source, it is evident that genuine democracy must first be implemented in these countries before being considered fully integrated with Western societies. Without it, illiberal democracies in CESEE are likely to remain unstable and subject to corruption.
Tomek Jankowski has lived, studied and traveled throughout Eastern Europe since the late 1980s. With degrees in both history and economics from reputable institutions, he serves as senior analyst at a research firm dedicated to this region; together with his wife he currently resides in Pembroke, New Hampshire.
Developments in Central and Eastern European Politics 4 examines the interrelations between politics and society in this diverse group of nations formerly modeled on Soviet Russia but now essential components of Europe. The book features cutting-edge research on this region which has undergone unprecedented, often unpredictable change; also provides a regional overview that illuminates its distinguishing features; an ideal resource for comprehending a part of our shared global world that continues to shape it.