Wilson Center Experts
Michel Vasecka
European Studies
Related Content for this Expert
The Racist Paradox and the Failure of Minority Policies in Central and East Europe since 1989
January 28, 2009 // 11:00am — 12:00pm
The economic, political, social, and moral transformation in Central and East Europe remains unparalleled in terms of the depth of the reforms and the speed with which they were carried out. Among these reforms, these countries adopted European minority rights standards (as determined by the Council of Europe) in order to become European Union members. Nevertheless, although legal norms have been adopted to the highest degree, Michal Vasecka argued that minorities throughout Central and East Europe do not enjoy equal status with the titular nation and are not integrated socially or politically. Minority policies, Vasecka asserted, have failed, and it is important to address this failure in order to stem growing nationalism in these states. more
The Racist Paradox and the Failure of Minority Policies in Central and East Europe since 1989
January 28, 2009 // 11:00am — 12:00pm
The economic, political, social, and moral transformation in Central and East Europe remains unparalleled in terms of the depth of the reforms and the speed with which they were carried out. Among these reforms, these countries adopted European minority rights standards (as determined by the Council of Europe) in order to become European Union members. Nevertheless, although legal norms have been adopted to the highest degree, Michal Vasecka argued that minorities throughout Central and East Europe do not enjoy equal status with the titular nation and are not integrated socially or politically. Minority policies, Vasecka asserted, have failed, and it is important to address this failure in order to stem growing nationalism in these states.