Civil Society, Constitution, and Legitimacy

Andrew Arato is both a keen observer of eastern Europe and a social theorist of well-deserved high reputation. Arato has written an important book, clearly the best to date on the writing of constitutions and their normative ramifications for democracy in postcommunist eastern Europe. Its combination of theoretical sophistication and broad knowledge of the region is impressive. It deserves a wide reading among those interested in law, constitutionalism, politics, and social theory. * Slavic Review *
Andrew Arato has long been an astute and original analyst of East European politics so it is of no surprise that his new book is a thoughful addition to the literature on the complexities of rebuilding political spaces and institutions after communism. Arato's new book builds on his more general work on the nature of civil society and its place in democratic politics and draws together many strands of contemporary political thought. This blend of the analytical and normative makes the book an interesting addition to the literature; the combination of a desire to explain with a sence of political responsibility makes it very different to the conventions of transitology and consolidology. * Seer *
Well written and presented. The book undoubtedly has a valuable theoretical contribution to make..... * Political Studies Review *
Arato provides much material on Hungary and adds insightful references to Poland and several other states in the region. * CHOICE *
Well written and presented. The book undoubtedly has a valuable theoretical contribution to make. * Political Studies Review *