Triggering Communism's Collapse

Marjorie Castle has taught at Temple University, Tulane University, and the University of Utah.

• Chapter 1 Introduction: The Paradox of the Polish TransitionChapter 2 Changing Arenas, Changing PlayersChapter 3 Setting the Stage for the Round Table: The Polish ContextChapter 4 A New Political Playing Field: The Negotiating ArenaChapter 5 The Players of the Round TableChapter 6 The Negotiations and Their OutcomeChapter 7 An Unexpectedly Competitive Arena: The 1989 ElectionsChapter 8 Campaign: Rulers and Opposition Confront a New GameChapter 9 Polish Voters Speak and the Players RespondChapter 10 Changing Power: The Legacies and Lessons of the Round Table

Poland's transition from communism to democratic government was a critical signal that the rejection of communism throughout Eastern Europe was possible, yet many Poles view the transition process and its outcome as a disappointment, rather than a moment of national pride. Marjorie Castle investigates this paradox by examining the Polish roundtable discussions between the communist regime and a coalition of opposition groups in 1989 that led to the election in August 1989 of the first noncommunist head of government in eastern Europe, Solidarity adviser Tadeusz Mazowiecki. . . . Castle's analysis of the roundtable is a welcome addition, and probably the most comprehensive such investigation in English. Her discussion is fluid and engaging—practically a page-turner.