Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 after a free election in 1990. Franjo Tudjman had won against communist opponents in the elections. Almost immediately, the army of the broken Yugoslavia attacked Croatia in a bid to take over the country again, a war lasted four years. Elections of 2000 saw the entry of President Stipe Mesic, who was substantially associated with the developments that later erupted in the nation of Croatia including regional cooperation and national healing strategies.
Table of Contents
1. Chapter 1
1.1 Croatian Historical Background
1.1.1 Background
1.1.2 General Political State after Independence
1.1.3 Political State
1.1.4 Institutions and Unions: European Union
1.1.5 What took Croatia a long Time to Rise to the Occasion?
1.2 Croatia joins Union Nations
1.3 Problem definition / Research question
1.4 Value of the Research
2. Chapter 2
2.1 Literature Review
2.1.1 Examination of the requirements of integration and Croatian Institution have or have not adapted to the Changes Incentives for Joining; Advantages of being a member state
2.1.2 Union Expectations of Member State
2.1.3 Factor Consideration
2.2 Impacts on institution after integration
2.2.1 Political Shock
2.2.2 Period after Joining
2.2.3 Social Risks
3. Chapter 3
3.1 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This study examines the influence of Europeanization on the political landscape of Croatia, specifically analyzing how the integration process into the European Union served as a catalyst for systemic political reforms. The research addresses whether the country successfully aligned its political system with EU standards or encountered internal resistance from established power structures following the post-Tudjman era.
- The historical context of Croatia's political development since 1990.
- Institutional adaptations required by the European Union accession process.
- Economic and political benefits vs. risks of European integration.
- The impact of post-war transitional justice on political stability.
- Evaluation of political shifts, including democratization and female political representation.
Excerpt from the Book
Political Shock
The political sector of Croatia has evidently been affected by the pursuit of Europeanization. The powers that have come after Tudjman’s have uprooted corruption from the government and public departments citing favors from the western nations (Bulkans). Most notable was the release of war criminals for examination by tribunals set by the region. The politicians in Croatia have seen the opportunity to win back the art works and other national treasures stolen from them. With the EU, they have gained enough power to force Belgrade to return them. Also, the politicians seek entry into archived documentations for leverage against Belgrade and for closure.
Croatia has set a political mood that showcases its importance in the unions it has joined playing key roles in initiatives agreed upon. For instance, Croatia is taking leading role in reaching out to the Western Balkans. Croatia was well prepared for the accession which came just four years after joining NATO, 2009, which secured it politically. A year after accession, Croatia put in motion strategies for joining Euro zone and Schengen while first the EU having completed the conditions necessary for the movement. There is no doubt that the political system of Croatia cannot compare to its predecessor.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: This chapter provides the historical and political background of Croatia, detailing the transition from the post-Yugoslav era to its aspiration for EU membership.
Chapter 2: This section reviews literature concerning integration requirements, institutional expectations, and the socio-political impacts and shocks experienced by Croatia post-accession.
Chapter 3: This chapter concludes the study, emphasizing that regional integration acts as a powerful force for state transformation and political accountability.
Keywords
Croatia, Europeanization, European Union, Political System, Accession, Integration, Democratization, Post-Tudjman, Transitional Justice, Economic Reform, Sovereignty, NATO, Institutional Change, Social Risks, Balkans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
This work focuses on analyzing how the Europeanization process has influenced and transformed the political system of Croatia since its independence from Yugoslavia.
What are the central themes discussed in the paper?
Key themes include historical political shifts, the mechanics of EU integration, institutional reform, the influence of international tribunals, and the economic and social consequences of becoming an EU member state.
What is the research question addressed?
The central question explores how the integration of Croatia into the EU forces the nation to align with external rules, and whether this leads to beneficial political reforms or rejection of these changes due to ideological conflicts.
Which methodology is applied?
The work utilizes a qualitative approach, reviewing existing political literature, historical reports, and institutional documents to analyze the political evolution of post-Tudjman Croatia.
What does the main body cover?
The main body examines the historical background of Croatia, the requirements for EU membership, the political shocks following integration, and the subsequent socio-economic impacts on the nation.
What key terms characterize the work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Europeanization, democratization, institutional adaptation, post-conflict reconciliation, and systemic political reform.
How did the EU accession influence Croatian politics regarding war crimes?
The accession process empowered Croatia to cooperate with international tribunals like the ICTY, facilitating the release of war criminals for prosecution and aiding in the recovery of national assets.
What role did the Tudjman era play in the analysis?
The Tudjman era is presented as a period defined by nationalism and corruption, which the subsequent political regimes had to overcome in order to align with European democratic standards.
How does the author describe the impact of gender on politics in this context?
The author highlights the election of Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic in 2015 as a significant shift in the political landscape, signaling a change from traditional male-dominated power structures toward increased female representation.
What is the long-term outlook for Croatia according to this study?
The study suggests that while Croatia faced significant turbulence, its successful accession indicates a strong potential for continued democratic development and better integration within the European community.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dino Agovic (Autor:in), 2017, How Europeanization Influenced the Political System of Croatia, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/364579
