Nations in Transit 2005

Since 1995, the Nations in Transit series has monitored the status of that change and pinpointed for policymakers, researchers, journalists, and democracy advocates alike the greatest reform challenges and reform opportunities facing the countries and territories that make up this vast geographic space.

Covering 27 countries, plus Kosovo, Nations in Transit 2005 evaluates a 12-month period, from January 1 to December 31, 2004, and provides comparative ratings and in-depth analysis of electoral processes, civil society, independent media, governance, judicial framework & independence, and corruption. Owing to the growing influence of local government and its relation to the reform process, this year's study provides an in-depth analysis of democratic governance at the local level, separate from the national level.

Freedom House-which for more than a quarter century has rated global political rights and civil liberties in its benchmark Freedom in the World surveys-has developed a ratings system that allows for comparative analysis of reforms. Nations in Transit findings have drawn important linkages between democratic accountability, good governance, and the rule of law. In doing so it has made clear the essential nature of all of these elements to the development of stable, free, and prosperous societies.

The results are incisive, authoritative, and comprehensive.

Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports democratic change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights.

Jeannette Goehring is the Budapest-based editor of Nations in Transit 2005. Previously she was an editor at New World Publishing in Budapest and project manager for inter- and non-governmental organizations, including: the New York and New Jersey Clean Ocean and Shore Trust and the United Nations in New York City, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and Freedom House in Washington, DC, and the European Parliament in Brussels. Ms. Goehring studied environmental science and policy at Central European University in Budapest, political management at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and International Area Studies at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

Amanda Schnetzer is a senior fellow at Freedom House and a co-editor of the Nations in Transit series. Previously she was director of studies at Freedom House in New York and a foreign policy researcher at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC. Now based in Dallas, TX, Mrs. Schnetzer also serves on the board of the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations. She holds a Master's Degree from Georgetown University and a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Methodist University, and has published book reviews and op-eds in the Wall Street Journal Europe, the Christian Science Monitor, the Weekly Standard, and the Washington Times.