The return to Europe or the crisis of civilization (original) (raw)

The paper explores the transition of East-Central Europe following the collapse of the Soviet Empire, reflecting on the complex political and social changes that have taken place since 1989. Initially viewed as a straightforward return to Western liberal order, the analysis reveals that the reality is more ambiguous, marked by both progress and disturbing phenomena, including nationalism and crises of European civilization. The work calls into question the assumptions about democracy and modernization, suggesting that these transitions also indicate deeper historical challenges facing Europe.