Maps and Measures

Abstract

In order to better understand the dynamics of party politics in Central Europe, it is necessary to map and measure the party systems and the rise of new parties. The chapter maps in graphic form the development of the party systems in eleven states (Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia) since 1989, showing the rise and fall of parties, and all the splits, splinters, and mergers. Using the party change and newness frameworks of Chapter 2, this chapter assess all eleven party systems using a variety of measures including volatility, party age, and weighted party age. Although the results show considerable variation across the region, all countries have seen significant volatility and the frequent appearance of sizeable new parties. These findings underline a process of continual change in the party systems of Central Europe.