ABSTRACT
Since 1989, all the central and east European countries (CEECs) have shown enthusiasm for joining international organizations to facilitate and consolidate reintegration into the world economy and departure from the Soviet sphere of influence. Membership of regional and international institutions is an important demonstration of post-communist societies’ emergence as sovereign states in the international arena, both to the world and to their own populations. For countries that are also building new nationhood as independent states, such as Slovakia, Slovenia and the Baltic states, acceptance by international organizations is often seen as an affirmation of their independence and sovereignty, as well as their success in transition. Although fulfilling conditions to join international bodies has been helpful in guiding the opening of economies and encouraging the development of democratic institutions, the symbolism of being accepted by transnational institutions from the Council of Europe to the World Trade Organization is equally important.
