About this Research Topic
The field of political science has been significantly shaped by the crises of the last decade, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. The migration crisis of 2014-2015, the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine have each posed unique challenges to nation-states, altering the dynamics of political institutions and actors. These crises have highlighted the varying responses of European national governments, from the welcoming 'Willkommenskultur' to the construction of border fences during the migration crisis, to the diverse legal frameworks adopted during the pandemic. The escalation of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has further complicated these dynamics, prompting different governmental responses. Despite these varied approaches, a common thread is the necessity for political institutions to interpret and respond to crises, often requiring a departure from traditional decision-making processes. Current research has begun to explore these responses, yet there remains a gap in understanding the full impact of these crises on inter-institutional relations and the recalibration of policy-making within political systems.
This research topic aims to delve into the dynamics and patterns of political institutions' responses to the crises of the last decade in Central and Eastern Europe. It seeks to understand how these institutions have navigated unprecedented challenges, often abandoning normal political decision-making and public policy responses. The research will focus on various policy areas, including economic, criminal, defense, media, social, and health policies, and how these challenges have influenced inter-institutional relations within political systems.
To gather further insights in the political responses to crises in Central and Eastern Europe, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Comparative analyses of crisis responses among the Visegrad Group countries.
• Case studies on specific national responses to the migration crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, or Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
• Examination of the impact of crises on inter-institutional relations and policy-making processes.
• Reflections on the influence of external models and practices on Central and Eastern European politics.
• Analysis of the recalibration of democratic processes in response to crises.
• Studies on the role of legal frameworks in shaping crisis responses.
This research topic aims to delve into the dynamics and patterns of political institutions' responses to the crises of the last decade in Central and Eastern Europe. It seeks to understand how these institutions have navigated unprecedented challenges, often abandoning normal political decision-making and public policy responses. The research will focus on various policy areas, including economic, criminal, defense, media, social, and health policies, and how these challenges have influenced inter-institutional relations within political systems.
To gather further insights in the political responses to crises in Central and Eastern Europe, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Comparative analyses of crisis responses among the Visegrad Group countries.
• Case studies on specific national responses to the migration crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, or Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
• Examination of the impact of crises on inter-institutional relations and policy-making processes.
• Reflections on the influence of external models and practices on Central and Eastern European politics.
• Analysis of the recalibration of democratic processes in response to crises.
• Studies on the role of legal frameworks in shaping crisis responses.
Keywords: crises, political science, institutional effects, political policies, institutional changes, central and eastern europe
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
