This volume examines political attitudes and patterns of political behavior in Poland in years preceding and following the end of communist regime, as well as institutional framework of transition to democracy. In conclusion, it presents the cultural and structural background of the cleavage between the proponents of open society and its enemies. This volume is a collection of papers written over the course of forty years. It examines political attitudes, patterns of political behavior, and institutional framework of transition to democracy in Poland. Its contents have been shaped by and provide commentary on the often-dramatic political developments in Poland: the emergence of the massive liberation movement "Solidarity" in 1980-81; the dissent against the communist regime in the 1980s; the struggles to pave the roads toward consolidated democracy in the 1990s; and the problems with adaptation to European liberal values in the 21st century that led to democratic backsliding. In conclusion, it presents the cultural and structural background of the cleavage between the proponents of open society and its enemies. Part I Toward Democracy - Part II The Vicissitudes of Democracy: Institution Building - Part III The Vicissitudes of Democracy: Popular Attitudes - Part IV Democratic Backsliding Krzysztof Jasiewicz is the William P. Ames Professor in Sociology and Anthropology at Washington and Lee University and the Editor of East European Politics and Societies. He received his education at the University of Warsaw and the Polish Academy of Sciences. His research has focused on political attitudes and behavior in Poland.
