Transformation of Political Regime in Central and Eastern Europe: Lessons for Ukraine

Abstract

Political regime and political system are key analytical categories in the study of any state's political dynamics. 
They encompass the aggregate of institutional mechanisms, tools for exercising power, and forms of political 
interaction. The type of political regime reflects the nature of relations between the state and its citizens, the level of 
political legitimacy, institutional development, the degree of civil society participation, and the maturity of political 
pluralism. In Ukraine's case, this issue gains particular relevance due to its protracted democratic transformation, its 
aspiration for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and in light of historical events such as the declaration of 
independence, the Orange Revolution, the Revolution of Dignity, and Russia's full-scale armed aggression. The aim of 
this article is to clarify the specific features, analyze, and generalize the trends of political transformation in the 
countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) – such as Poland, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria – as well as to study their experience for Ukraine. The research seeks to identify common patterns in regime 
transformations, evaluate the challenges accompanying these processes, and derive practical conclusions for Ukraine's 
further political development. 
The article employs comparative-political, institutional, and historical-analytical methods. It analyzes the key 
stages of political transformation in the aforementioned countries during the late 1980s and 1990s, identifies the 
factors contributing to the success of democratic reforms, and pinpoints the obstacles that arose during the 
modernization of political systems. Special attention is given to contemporary global challenges, including populism, 
hybrid threats, and shifting geopolitical orientations. As a result of the research, recommendations are formulated 
regarding priority directions for the development of Ukraine's political system, taking into account the experience of 
CEE countries. Emphasis is placed on the need to ensure the stability of democratic institutions, modernize the public 
administration system, and strengthen political culture as crucial conditions for sustainable democratic progress.