Choosing between China and Europe? : virtual inspiration and policy transfer in the programmatic development of the Czech communist party

Abstract

Significant processes of programmatic transformation have taken place within the Czech Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSČM) since the collapse of state socialism. Although the KSČM's programmatic development has been primarily driven by influences that are specific to Czech politics, ideational borrowing from external sources has none the less taken place.

The strategy of 'leftist retreat' that emerged through the 1990s had its roots in the internal divisions that existed (and continue to exist) within the party. While the KSČM has enjoyed increasing electoral support as a party of radical protest, the internal divisions have resulted in a clear dichotomy in terms of attitudes to prospective external models for programmatic inspiration.