ABSTRACT
In this chapter discusses the dilemma that the sustained political presence of the communist parties successors poses for the Socialist International. The Socialist International and its member parties are in a difficult position when it comes to choosing partners in eastern Europe. The first is the general problems that affect the political parties of the region. Secondly, there are problems specific to the left. Because of the differing conditions and circumstances in which they operate, the new movements and parties cannot be described in Western terms. Thirdly, an important component in the constituency that has supported the successor parties is the growing number of the socially disadvantaged and weak the sections of the population that are endangered or marginalized by economic transformation and have been sinking into material poverty. One of the recurring themes of this volume is that an expected rebirth of social democracy in east-central Europe after the fall of communist rule failed to take place.
