This book presents a selection of recent research on the general theme of civil society and social capital. In particular, it brings together in one volume a selection of articles that have helped to take the debate forward on the relation between social capital and democratisation and on the role and political strength or weakness of civil society in post-communist countries. The authors range in their approaches from detailed examinations of the extent and character of social capital in different societies in post-communist Eastern Europe, to studies of civil society in particular countries of the region and case studies of different civil society groups including environmental groups, local interest groups, pensioners’ groups, car drivers’ groups and trade unions. The newly written introduction provides a critical review of the wider body of literature on the theme, placing the selected articles in a broader context, and identifying ways forward for future research.

This book is a compilation of articles published in Europe-Asia Studies.