The Role of 1989: Dedramatization at Its Extreme?

This chapter focuses on the role of the year 1989 in the globalization of East Central Europe, a pivotal theme in related debates. Contrary to claims in recent literature that refer to 1989 as a ‘de-globalizing moment’, this study provides evidence that regime changes played a crucial role in fostering globalization in the region. Globalization in East Central Europe progressed slowly after Stalinism, but 1989 marked a breakthrough in this respect, affecting most social, economic, and cultural spheres significantly. Following this watershed moment, both foreign direct investment and the activities of transnational corporations increased dramatically. The same clear pattern can be demonstrated regarding the region's integration into the global telecommunications network. Moreover, the regime changes catalysed a substantial surge in international travel to and from the region, including intercontinental journeys. East Central Europe emerged as an important hub and destination within the international migration network, even though in terms of migration, globalization in the region after the regime changes was significantly less dynamic, especially when compared to other aspects of globalization in the region, and the trajectory observed in Western European countries.