Why has political corruption emerged as a major obstacle to successful democratic consolidation in Eastern Europe? Exploring the origins, scope, and impact of political corruption in the region's post communist states, Tatiana Kostadinova identifies the factors that favor illicit behavior and considers how the various forms of malfeasance are threatening democracy.

Rich cross-national data and an in-depth study of Bulgaria reveal how parties and their leaders have exploited the transitional environment for private benefit, as well as how domestic and external forces—including the EU integration process—are constraining corruption. Kostadinova's conclusions point to the policy-relevant implications of her study for Eastern Europe, and for transitional democracies around the world.

Tatiana Kostadinova is associate professor of political science at Florida International University. She is author of Bulgaria 1879–1946: The Challenge of Choice.