Covid-19, State-Power and Society in Europe: Focus on Western Balkans

This book explores the current state of society in Europe in general and the regimes and societies of the Western Balkans in particular,using data from 20 individual indices to support original findings and characterise societies in 45 European states. It examines the impact of the pandemic on local regimes and their ability to strengthen their power,and considers the future of the Western Balkans in the context of governance,society and state power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 187 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the current state of society in Europe, encompassing both the broader region and the specific regimes and societies of the Western Balkans. The timing of the pandemic and the widespread lockdown have provided a valuable opportunity to gather comprehensive indices from reputable academic sources that shed light on various aspects of these regimes, including individual human freedoms, economic freedoms, the rule of law, human rights, and media freedoms. The aggregation of findings from these 20 individual indices yields a wealth of data that supports the original research and helps to characterize societies in 45 European states. While it is acknowledged that there may be variations in methodologies and sample sizes among the consulted indices, taken together, they provide a solid foundation for exploring the diversity of regimes, governance structures, and societies across Europe.

While the book primarily focuses on the Western Balkans, it is placed within a broader pan-European context. The issues of migration, minority rights, global geopolitics, and the crisis of liberal democracy all play significant roles in shaping the developments specific to the Western Balkans. The book addresses the crucial question of whether the pandemic has facilitated the strengthening of local regimes and their ability to exert greater control over society, thereby offering insights into the future of Europe and its integrative processes.

In conclusion, the book conducts a thorough investigation of Western Balkan regimes' responses to the pandemic in the realms of governance, society, and state power. It then examines the question of whether the Western Balkans will align with the "liberal club" or witness the rise of local hybrid regimes, which may become even more influential in the near future. This insightful work contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping societies in Europe and the Western Balkans.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030910754
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022