The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Eastern European nations, triggering a wave of democratic revolutions. This shift from communist governance to democracy was...Show moreThe collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Eastern European nations, triggering a wave of democratic revolutions. This shift from communist governance to democracy was marked by numerous obstacles, notably the influence wielded by former communist elites, commonly referred to as the nomenklatura. This thesis examines the impact of the nomenklatura on the post-communist political environments and privatization processes of Bulgaria and Poland between 1989 and 2001. Both countries, influenced to varying extents by Soviet ideology, embarked on divergent paths toward democracy and economic liberalization. The thesis investigates how the nomenklatura, entrenched in positions of power, sought to maintain their political relevance and exploit state resources. Through a multidisciplinary analysis drawing from academic literature and primary sources, the study evaluates the strategies employed by the nomenklatura to adapt to democratic structures, their influence on post-communist political systems, and their role in the privatization of public resources. The results provide a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of the nomenklatura on Bulgaria and Poland's political and economic trajectories during the pivotal transitional period. This analysis offers valuable perspectives on the challenges encountered during democratization and economic reform in post-communist societies.Show less
