Tolerance, protest and democratic transition: Survey evidence from 13 post‐communist countries

Abstract

Abstract. Based on survey evidence in 13 post‐communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, we show that citizens who engage in protest activities are more tolerant than those who do not take part in such activities. We argue that these ‘protesters’ have the potential to play a pivotal role in the democratic consolidation process currently under way in post‐communist countries. Our findings are compatible with earlier results that suggest that the remaking of political culture, in societies where radical social and political changes have been taking place, might be accomplished through concrete experience with the democratic process rather than through adherence to abstract democratic norms.