ABSTRACT
The most salient symptom of the irreversible choice made by Eastern Europe is the strategic defeat of the communist movement -- the socio-political subject of the previous social order which seems to be disappearing from the political arena for good. Traditionally, weak democratic institutions have had their counterpart in strong national sentiments in Eastern Europe, a region where ethnic tensions and the problems connected with nation-building have been on the political agenda since the 19th century. States with a multiethnic composition are most severely affected and threatened by the rise of nationalism all over Eastern Europe. The situation in Eastern Europe provides sufficient opportunities for committing similar mistakes. But, there is also the unprecedented opportunity of unifying the continent. It largely depends on the wisdom and the readiness of the West whether Europe will be able to make use of that.
