The purpose of this study is to categorize political systems and transitions in Eastern Europe, where changes beyond the post-communist transition prevail. This study finds following features of transition from 'post-communism'. First, some states that made a progress in the level of democracy and election process experience authoritarian reaction. In those countries where a moderate rightist regime has developed after the populist phase, populist activism appears to be a part of political process. Second, the establishment of semi-authoritarian regime in the late 1990s constitutes a general feature in the former communist countries. A relatively peaceful transition invites political groups of wide political spectrum to the political arena, and these groups competed for the leading role in the process of political transition. Political groups that have successfully gained political supports of general public replaced politically weak groups, claiming a leading role in the new system. Third, international political pressure and intervention played a major role in the process of democratization. In Serbia and Albania, international intervention triggered a war which resulted in a fundamental changes in domestic politics. The need of integration into Europe constituted a background of international intervention although its prime purpose was declared to be an eradication of authoritarian regime.

The purpose of this study is to categorize political systems and transitions in Eastern Europe, where changes beyond the post-communist transition prevail. This study finds following features of transition from 'post-communism'. First, some states that made a progress in the level of democracy and election process experience authoritarian reaction. In those countries where a moderate rightist regime has developed after the populist phase, populist activism appears to be a part of political process. Second, the establishment of semi-authoritarian regime in the late 1990s constitutes a general feature in the former communist countries. A relatively peaceful transition invites political groups of wide political spectrum to the political arena, and these groups competed for the leading role in the process of political transition. Political groups that have successfully gained political supports of general public replaced politically weak groups, claiming a leading role in the new system. Third, international political pressure and intervention played a major role in the process of democratization. In Serbia and Albania, international intervention triggered a war which resulted in a fundamental changes in domestic politics. The need of integration into Europe constituted a background of international intervention although its prime purpose was declared to be an eradication of authoritarian regime.