Obstacles to the development of democratic politics

So far, the countries of the former communist eastern Europe have avoided a reversion to authoritarian rule. Nevertheless, the immense difficulties of establishing functioning democracy have been recognized in the wake of the euphoria of 1989, and fledgling democracy is not yet secure. Indeed, while many of the appurtenances of democracy are apparent, evidence also suggests that transfers of allegiance, personal conflicts, disintegration and fragmentation are hindering the establishment of solid parties, a tendency that is exacerbated by continuing undemocratic values and attitudes.