Structuralism versus Intentionalism in Post-Communist Party System Evolution

Abstract

In challenging the notion that Polish parties completely failed to contribute to the consolidation of the country's new democracy, this Research Note develops a line of analysis synthesizing historically created structures and legacies, aspects of social and political change, institutional developments and contingent choices. The author contends that, a decidedly inauspicious environment notwithstanding, Polish party leaders have indeed developed strategies which have contributed to consolidation of the democratic system as a whole. The evidence suggests that in order to identify the exact mechanisms of party and party system formation one must go beyond the conventional historical and sociological explanations. This study calls for a new research agenda for the comparative study of party politics in the region.