Slovakia's Second Transition

The results of Slovakia's 2002 elections can be said to mark the completion of a “second transition” to democracy. With the election of 2002, it became clear that Slovakia's nationalist-authoritarian experiment is effectively over. What remains to be seen is the extent and duration of its impact on Slovak political life. Today's leaders must contend not only with the legacies of communism but with the unique legacies of postcommunist authoritarianism also. Some of these legacies continue to hobble the country's democratic development, but others have actually helped inoculate Slovakia against another return to authoritarian leadership.