Law and Critique in Central Europe

During the period of actually existing socialism, Central Europe was simultaneously the eastern periphery of the capitalist world-system and the western periphery of the Soviet bloc. Following the transition, it transformed itself into a unique amalgam of postcolonialism (vis-a-vis the former Soviet power) and neocolonialism (vis-a-vis the West). This double peripherality means Central Europe’s geopolitical situation is both problematic and traumatic. It is a space that conveys fantasies of conquest and normalization as well as reluctance and rejection. The present collection of essays brings together both established and emerging legal scholars from Central Europe to explore the sources and potentialities of critical legal scholarship in a Central European setting, the heritage of an authoritarian past and its influence over Central European law and politics, and the strategies of challenging the present legal status quo.

"The volume provides a useful point of departure for rational discussion on post-transformation law as it demonstrates its genealogy and reveals its incoherencies. Such discussion can foster a better understanding of the problems of the transition to democratic society and possible ways of rectifying them. But beyond this particular context, the volume is an important contribution to social theory."

— Prof. Leszek Koczanowicz (Afterword)

"Eastern European comrades have suffered a kind of ‘symbolic violence’ in the hands of their Western European counterparts. The invigoration of critique in the East must combine the ‘left-right division with the centre-periphery dichotomy."

— Prof. Costas Douzinas (Foreword)

"No English-language monograph has, until now, approached such a broad spectrum of topics concerning the legal life of Central and Eastern Europe at the same time applying a radical and critical methodological perspective."

— Prof. Pawe Chmielnicki (Editorial Review)

"We are witnessing the birth of a new strand of critical legal scholarship, drawing on the theoretical legacy of Western 'crits' and the unique historical experience of post-communist Central Europe."

— Dr. habil. Przemysaw Kaczmarek (Editorial Review)