New methods and data offer insights into party system volatility across post-communist Europe, revealing previously overlooked patterns.

Introduction to the Problem:

While political transitions following communism have been extensively studied, significant gaps remain regarding electoral volatility—especially in Eastern Europe.

Methodological Innovations:

This research utilizes cutting-edge techniques and novel datasets that overcome previous limitations. Instead of relying on traditional polling methods with potential for sampling bias or outdated voter panels,

* It employs advanced network analysis to map party-switching behaviors across multiple elections simultaneously.

* It leverages newly digitized archives from fifteen Eastern European countries, covering over three decades post-1989 transition.

Key Findings:

Our analyses highlight:

* Lower Volatility Than Expected: Contrary to perceptions of political instability in the region, actual electoral volatility remains relatively low across most countries.

* Persistence Across Generations: Voter switching behavior proves stable over time, even among cohorts who grew up under democratic systems.

Broader Political Science Significance:

These findings reshape our understanding of democratic durability and provide a more granular picture of how political identities form and persist.