Demokratija (još) ne stanuje ovde
Democracy is (still) not living here

Author(s): Zoran Stoiljković
Subject(s): Politics, Regional Geography, Civil Society, Government/Political systems
Published by: Centar za građansko obrazovanje (CGO)
Keywords: democracy; transition; Balkans; civil society;
Summary/Abstract: This essay considers several interrelated and interdependent processes: 1) development of excruciating economic and social transition, 2) gradual advocacy and renewal („resurrection“ ) of „suppressed“ civil society and 3) constituting of actors, procedures and rules of „electoral democracy“ , and is reduced to limits of politically impartial and ideologically uncontaminated analysis of effects and actions of transitional changes on Balkans. Starting hypothesis is a stand that, in Serbia and Montenegro, as well as in B&H, Albania and Macedonia, transition did not emerge from its initial critical phase of democratization. Fragile economy and civil society are obviously not suitable and sufficient frame for „committedness“ of political actors and stabilization of political scene, or for creation of firm constitutional limits for possible arbitrary extravagancies and decreasing movements within electoral, competitive democracy. With all the differences, Balkan countries have in common a lack of continuous and long-term democratic transition. All of them are characterized by parallel existence „coexistence” of pre-industrial, industrial and post-industrial structures and their social agents. In all of them, liberalization and privatization within stagnant economy produce ascending social inequalities. All of these countries have in common a resulting dominant sense of uncertainty and with the exception of Albanians, generally pessimistic relation towards (immediate) future. Finally, all of them share a goal and desire to find themselves within EU (Blue Bird, Inflexibility trap. 2004:13) Nevertheless, the path towards European integrations demands developed strategy of transitional changes and collection of all diffused emancipating energies and potentials directed at its revival. Thereat, stabilization and consolidation of democracy is not possible without disappearance of „active and robust civil society“(Linc and Stepan, 1998). The exit from this magic circle represents only developed and operative strategy of reforms, supported by wide social and political partnership for democratic changes. Civil field and actors in this partnership have central, mobilizing, controlling and integrative role, but also important initiatory function. Social movements; and not fragmented, incoherent nongovernmental scene- often ready to accept pseudo party arrangements and engagements; may be mediators of changes, bearers of dynamics and physiology of the society- an instrument for achievement of (desirable) future. However, both potential of civil society and destiny of the reforms are connected to massive transformation of its subjects- their structure of conscience and mentality- and emanation of „adult and upright” citizens. Only the society of responsible and competent elites and active citizens, affiliated in voluntary associations, may send its authoritarian history to „dumps of history“(Marcs).

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