Challenging the East-West divide: Insights from a comparison of Ukraine and Italy
Challenging the East-West divide: Insights from a comparison of Ukraine and Italy

Summary/Abstract: This article examines how political behaviour has impeded the functioning of political institutions in Ukraine and Italy. It applies an actor-centered institutionalism and argues that even nondemocratic political elites can co-exist within a democratic framework. It analyzes actors’ conduct in regard to the democratic institutions of the constitution, judiciary and media. The paper concludes by identifying three pillars of political elite power.

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