Rolling Transition and the Role of Intellectuals: The Case of Hungary

In the late 20th century, Hungary experienced a rise and fall of dissident intellectuals. Bozóki's framework examines their activities and argues that they did not become a 'New Class' but rather created an open network that transformed into different political parties. The book focuses on the questions of who the dissident intellectuals were, what they wanted, and under what conditions they rebelled, aiming to promote human rights and democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 618 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Central European University Press

Utilizing a novel and innovative framework for analyzing the role of intellectuals in countries transitioning to democracy, Bozóki delves into the rise and fall of dissident intellectuals in Hungary during the late 20th century. By employing a forensic examination of their activities, he demonstrates the applicability of this framework to other countries as well. Bozóki contends that the Hungarian intellectuals did not emerge as a "New Class" through the process of transition. Instead, he refers to it as a gradual, non-violent, elite-driven political transformation characterized by the rotation of agency, leading to the establishment of a new regime. This transformative process is primarily driven by various groups of intellectuals who do not form a vanguard movement but instead establish an open network that has the potential to evolve into different political parties. Over the course of the dissidence, open network building, roundtable negotiations, parliamentary activities, and the emergence of new movement politics, the roles of these intellectuals shifted from dissidents to reformers, movement organizers, and negotiators.

Through the lens of political sociology, the author delves into critical questions such as: Who were the dissident intellectuals, and what were their aspirations? Under what circumstances do intellectuals rebel, and what are the patterns of their protests? This book holds immense interest for students, researchers, and public intellectuals worldwide who are dedicated to promoting human rights and democracy.

Weight: 1052g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633864784