Democracy's future in Central and Eastern Europe: Building coalitions, enhancing agency

This chapter is a reflection on the results of the studies reported in this book. It explores the idea of Europeanisation/de-Europeanisation and identifies new ways of thinking about the construct. It then explores the contexts that influence “freedom’s children” and the extent to which this can be a constraining factor on citizenship action. In terms of that action, multiple ways of conceiving it are discussed including those that demonstrate possibilities for citizenship engagement. Finally, the role of citizenship education is discussed and the possibilities for the future are canvassed. While it is recognised that structures will always be a constraining influence on civic action, the possibilities for agency are highlighted, especially as they might be capable of building coalitions for democratic development. Copyright © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Beata Krzywosz-Rynkiewicz and Kerry J. Kennedy; individual chapters, the contributors.