| Abstract |
This analysis of the sudden emergence of ethnic conflict within former Soviet republics and Eastern bloc nations identifies the problematic translation of an idealized concept such as democracy in regions of diverse religious, linguistic, or ethnic stock. It is argued that democracy is primarily successful when subjects can benefit from the principle of self-rule or self-determination, free from a ruler's repression. Nationalism has been falsely promoted as a natural concept, neglecting the truly natural principle of freedom. In Eastern Europe the nations that were consolidated by non-Marxist rulers appeared more successful than those organized around working class solidarity in Marxist communist countries, because for leaders of national groups the reform of corrupt political systems was more productive than economic intervention. Considering the region's explosive ethnic situation, the implementation of both democratization and economic reform policies is imperative. |