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.

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.

Part I Toward Democracy - Part II The Vicissitudes of Democracy: Institution Building - Part III The Vicissitudes of Democracy: Popular Attitudes - Part IV Democratic Backsliding