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what is eastern europe · ex-eastern european bloc economic system ex eastern · regional ethnic and cultural groupings eastern europe history and culture class 2 december 4 ethnic groups · the slavs · cultural differences are not just the product of the soviet bloc times · the problem is not the last 50 years but the at least the last 500 500 east russians byelorussians ukrainians russians byelorussians west poles czechs slovaks south bulgarians serbs croats bosniaks macedonians slovenes · · · · · the balts latvians lithuanians finnic peoples estonians hungarians romanians albanians source samuel p huntington clash of civilizations 1993 languages writing systems · slavic latin alphabet czech republic poland slovakia slovenia croatia cyrillic alphabet · slavic cyrillic alphabet russia ukraine bulgaria belarus macedonia part of moldova · slavic cyrillic latin alphabet serbian language serbia bosnia and herzegovina montenegro · · · · baltic languages lithuania latvia finno-ugric languages estonia hungary albanian language albania romance languages moldova romania

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religions · eastern orthodox bulgaria serbia montenegro macedonia romania moldova belarus russia ukraine · eastern europe general history empires and other powers roman empire byzantine empire iv ­ xv cent ad and religious divide western cent eastern orthodox worlds holy roman empire ­ later austria austro-hungary x-xx cent poland-lithuania xiv-xviii cent poland lithuania xiv xviii cent crusades and religious states of the german knights ­ xiii-xv cent moscow state russian empire and the soviet union xvi ­ xx cent t invasions turkish invasion ottoman empire xiv-xx cent conquered most of the balkans except croatia and slovenia by xv cent mongol raids brief but devastating ­ xiii cent two world wars in the xx cent re-shaping of territories and long p g g periods of unrest · roman catholic croatia hungary poland lithuania slovakia slovenia czech republic · muslim albania parts of bosnia and herzegovina kosovo · · protestant latvia estonia · balkan states the balkan states · · · · · · · · · albania bosnia and hbid herzegovina i croatia macedonia montenegro serbia slovenia bulgaria romania balkan specifics · · · ethnic composition p south slavs bulgarians macedonians macedonians serbs montenegrins croats slovenes bosniaks albanians romanians state boundaries ethnic territories striving for great serbia great albania great romania etc romania etc religious diversity adoption of christianity in vii-xi cent dissolution of the roman empire and emergence of two civilizations · roman catholic western roman empire ­ croatia slovenia · eastern orthodox eastern roman empire y p byzantium ­ serbia montenegro macedonia bulgaria romania the fall of byzantium the rise of ottoman empire turkish · islam adopted by albanians bosniaks small numbers of bulgarians and macedonians m d i the powder keg of europe balkan wars 1912-1913 wwi 1914-1918 1914 1918 wars in 1990ies with the dissolution of yugoslavia current sensitive issues ethnic conflicts in serbia bosnia and herzegovina croatia · yugoslavia · 1918 ­ kingdom of serbs croats and slovenes incorporated serbia montenegro slovenia croatia bosnia and herzegovina macedonia is proclaimed after g p the collapse of austria-hungary 1929 renamed kingdom of yugoslavia · in 1946 becomes a communist state federal people s people s republic of yugoslavia since 1963 ­ social federal republic of yugoslavia under president tito till 1980 · regional uprisings in 1990 1991-1992 ­ slovenia croatia macedonia bosnia and herzegovina declare independence civil wars break out p · 1992 ­ fr yugoslavia formed by remaining serbia and montenegro · 2006 ­ m t montenegro declares iddl independence d the balkans common cultural features · polychronic and unpunctual no more than 2 meetings per day however a foreigner is expected to come on time deadlines are very flexible risk-avoiding and suspicious disregarding rules and laws family is very important and always comes before work yypy hospitable sometimes aggressively hospitable romania · enjoy irony and dark humour and do not give non-verbal indicators of telling a joke expect the same behavior in return etu · note slovenia differs considerably · · · ·

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the balkan states albania tirana albania history · part of roman byzantine and ottoman empires under ottomans most albanians converted to islam · g i di d gained independence f d from ott ottoman e i i 1912 empire in · dictatorship regimes throughout most of xx cent monarchy before wwii communist 1944-1992 total isolation from the outside world · 1992 ­ anticommunist opposition wins elections · 1997 ­ disturbances over pyramid schemes and stealing of weapons · p liti l unrest and l k of government control till present political t d lack fttlt time · applied for eu membership in 2006 · sensitive issues albanian groups in neighboring countries advocate for a great albania · · · · albania culture ethnic origins not slavic trace back their ancestry to illyrians ­ the ancient inhabitants of the balkans religion mostly muslim 70 also orthodox and catholic language unique­ derives from extinct illyric naturalized words from greek unique greek latin romanian slavic turkish languages andocentric clannish culture following the code of honor dating back from xv cent full loyalty to the close and extended family full obedience to elder male strict distinction bttit di ti ti between and th th us d them those outside th clan promoting t id the l ti common clan interests through all possible means and defending clan honor even through vendetta absolute disregard of laws and rules laws are made to be broken outsiders can be cheated behavior status symbols very important titles clothes etc showing of respect conservative ­ new ideas solutions unwelcome extremely unpunctual gestures for yes and no may be opposite to common european ones in some areas same in greece and bulgaria · · · to keep in mind albanians are a unique ethnic group and shouldn t be mixed with turks or slavs serbia serbia history · vii cent ­ 1st serbian state raska 389 se b a de eated the att e of oso o · 1389 ­ serbia defeated in t e battle o kosovo and is absorbed by the ottoman empire p p · xiv-xix cent part of ottoman empire · after wwi ­ part of yugoslavia · 1992 ­ fr yugoslavia formed by serbia and g y montenegro · 1998-1999 ­ kosovo conflicts · 2006 ­ republic of serbia emerges after montenegro declares independence · political issues kosovo independence christmas celebration 6-7 december

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kosovo · since xii cent heart of the serbian empire · 1389 ­ battle of kosovo lost by serbia to ottoman empire ethnic composition changes over 500 years of ottoman rule now inhabited by ethnic albanians 90 1.5 mln · 1912 ­ serbia regains control of kosovo · 1945 kosovo and metohija ­ autonomous region in serbia as part of yugoslavia 1980ies 1997 · 1980ies-1997 ­ ethnic conflicts between serbs and albanians · 1998 1999 open conflicts between serb police and kla · 1999 ­ nato bombings of serbia · 2007 ­ un introduces plan to make kosovo independent · 2008 17 february ­ kosovo declares independence recognized by 52 of 162 un member countries serbia culture · · · religion mostly orthodox 85 also catholic protestant and muslim bosniaks 85 catholic language serbian slavic ­ very close to croatian and bosnian alphabet ­ cyrillic and latin deep lying deep-lying layers of culture feeling of victimization by ottomans austroaustro hungarians croats and others moral superiority through martyrdom preserving their religion against all attacks and a notion of the sanctity of serbia notion of inat malice in spite despite grudge proud defiance and stubborness unwillingness to give up or compromise behavior management style ­ autocratic organizations hierarchical titles and other status symbols are very important communication style ­ formal at the outset of meetings emotional eye contact one of the strongest in europe in conversation charismatic loquacious and good orators exaggerating listen on the defensive ready to complain and exploit what they see as weaknesses in outsiders males are expected to behave in a macho and boisterous manner unpunctual drinking is an important part of socializing · · · to keep in mind very strong antipathy towards croats turks and slovenes are also best not mentioned montenegro montenegro history · ix-xv cent ­ slavic serbian state duklja zeta under protectorate of byzantine empire then venice · xvi-xix cent ­ autonomous theocratic state under ottoman empire · after wwi ­ part of yugoslavia · 1992-2006 ­ serbia and montenegro are successors of yugoslavia g · 2006 ­ montenegro declares independence 55 · eu candidate since 2007 · sensitive issues albanian minority ­ potential separatist tendencies after kosovo independence lovchen mountains montenegro culture · ethnic composition montenegrin 43 serbian 32 bosniak 8 albanian 5 other croats roma gypsy 12 · religion orthodox 74.2 muslim 17.7 catholic 3.5 other none 5 · language montenegrin slavic ­ very close to serbian alphabet cyrillic · basic cultural traits close to serbia · regard themselves as warrior serbs historically better at fighting rather than working on land g g g · bravery honor and self-sacrifice for one s ideals fighting to the death are basic values · v very l i leisurely attitude t work ­ lik t j k about th i l ttit d to k like to joke b t their laziness rest by day and sleep at night croatia dubrovnik

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croatia history · · ix-xi cent ­ croatian kingdom xi-xvi cent ­ joint state with hungary xvi-xx cent xvi xx cent 1918 croatia ruled by the habsburgs austroaustro hungary parts of croatia under venice ottoman empire and france joined yugoslavia in 1918 1990 ­ communists lose elections to croatian nationalists 1991 ­ croatia proclaimed independence from yugoslavia republic of serbian krajina is proclaimed by croatian serbs escalation of conflicts between serbs and croats 1991-1995 ­ war between croatia and serbian krajina 90 of serbian population expelled applied for eu membership in 2004 hopes to join eu in 2010 sensitive issue serbian krajina still aimed for independence croatia culture · · · · population mostly slavic croat over 90 religion mostly roman catholic 90 language croat slavic not to be called serbo-croat alphabet latin behavior value authoritative superiors and respect the knowledge education confidence and experience that come with status status symbols important esp clothes etc not particularly punctual but will make a special effort if they consider a meeting very important communication style ­ formal but often becomes very direct after the initial stage of relationships shyness and softness may be perceived as a sign of weakness not the best of listeners and may interrupt politely can be suspicious and easily become cynical too much rhetoric is to be avoided slight differences between people from the coast dalmatia traces of italian culture and from the mainland zagreb · · · · · · · to keep in mind national pride is very high ­ nothing national should be criticized very strong antipathy towards serbs bosnia and herzegovina · · · · · · · · · bosnia and herzegovina history part of roman byzantine empires controlled by serbia and croatia in ixx cent xii xv xii-xv cent ­ independent bosnian principality xv-xix cent ­ occupied by ottoman empire then austro-hungary 1878 joined yugoslavia after wwi 1918 declared independence in 1992 boycotted by serbian population bosnian war 1992-1995 between bosnian serbs croats and bosniaks muslims 1995 ­ nato bombing of serbian positions international administration established in 1995 dayton peace accords political arrangement after the bosnian war 2 entities f d ti of bosnia and h titi federation fbid herzegovina b i bosniaks c t and i k croats d republika srpska bosnian serbs district brcko neutral under un administration 3 presidents rotating every 8 months haris silajdzic bosniak nebojsa p g y j radmanovic serb zeljko komsic croat next elections in 2010 mostar bridge between croat and muslim communities · sensitive issues republika srpska aimed for independence after kosovo recognition bosnia and herzegovina culture · population ­ mostly slavic bosniaks ­ muslim slavs 45 serbs ­ orthodox slavs 30 and croats ­ roman catholic slavs 17 note 17 t exact numbers unknown t b k languages bosnian latin alphabet croat latin alphabet serbian ­ cyrillic alphabet all languages are closely related serb and croat groups identify with cultures of serbia and croatia bosniaks muslims ethnically and behaviorally are closely related to serbs and croats but identify themselves through religion historically ­ one of the most tolerant religious groups in europe liberal muslims ­ western dress for women allowance of alcohol but right-hand and sole-of-shoes rules should be observed at all times communication style ­ direct and animated emotional humorous macedonia · · · · to keep in mind ethnic conflicts and wars are better not discussed every side has its own version of events orthodox church at the bank of lake ohrid

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macedonia history · · · · · · · · · province of roman empire iv-xiv cent ­ ruled by byzantine empire xiv xix cent ­ part of ottoman empire cent xix-xx cent ­ part of bulgaria then serbia joined yugoslavia in 1918 as part of serbia 1946 ­ autonomous yugoslavian republic 1991 ­ proclaimed independence from yugoslavia 2000ies ­ tensions between macedonian and albanian population agreement reached with eu help eu candidate since 2005 sensitive issues ethnic conflicts between albanians and macedonians disagreement with greece over country name official name ­ fyr macedonia · · · · macedonia culture ethnic origins south slavs very close to bulgarians migrated into the area originally called macedonia and adopted the name recognized as a constituent nation of yugoslavia after wwii language m l macedonian sl i ­ officialized i 1944 closest relative of d i slavic ffi i li d in 1944 llif bulgarian alphabet cyrillic religion orthodox 67 muslim 30 ­ albanians and turks behavior b h i leisurely attitude to work punctuality low ­ 20 minutes late is on time planning horizon very short ­ 1 2 days 1-2 polychronic ­ sequencing multiple meetings is difficult communication style indirect about important issues formal not loud often exhibit an attitude of humility and even self deprecation self-deprecation like to speak more than listen close-distance but bigger with people from other ethnic backgrounds · to keep in mind macedonians are very ethnic and religion-conscious p y g ethnicity is their source of national identity they should not be mixed with bulgarians and serbs slovenia slovenia history · since viii cent ­ part of frankish empire then p part of austro-hungary g y · never under ottoman rule · joined yugoslavia after wwi g · 1991 ­ declared independence from yugoslavia followed by 10-day war in 1991 between slovenia and yugoslavia · joined eu in 2004 mt triglav slovenia culture · · · · · ethnic composition more homogeneous than in the other slavic balkan states 95 are slovenes religion mostly catholic 60 language sl l slovene sl i ­ very close t s b and c t alphabet ­ slavic l to serb d croat al h b t latin business culture differs from other balkan countries and is close to austria and germany like to distance themselves from their eastern neighbors and prefer to be considered as central europeans behavior status is accorded primarily by the level of education and professionalism similar to czechs and germans less hierarchical organizations and less autocratic management style than in other balkan cultures like things orderly and structured punctual ­ ibiptl in business di l g display german punctuality b t can b more t lit but be flexible outside business good listeners and rarely interrupt y y quite neutral and reserved dislike loud communication style ­ emotionally q and loquacious speakers prefer solidity modesty correctness and reliable facts naturally use the indirect style but can easily adapt to a direct one long-distance 1.2 m is a distance of comfort bulgaria st alexander nevsky cathedral in sofia

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bulgaria history one of the oldest states in europe vii cent ­ first bulgarian empire competitor ally of byzantium · adopted and promoted cyrillic alphabet in ix cent · · · · · bulgaria culture ethnic origins trace back their ancestry to thracians ancient inhabitants of the balkans slavs and bulgars seminomadic peoples from central asia religion mostly orthodox 83 also muslim 12 ethnic groups bulgarian 85 turk 9 roma yp y 5 g p g gypsy language bulgarian slavic ­ close to serb and croat alphabet cyrillic spread from bulgaria to other slavic countries behavior hierarchical organizations although slightly l hi hi l i ti lth h li htl less autocratic l d hi style i t ti leadership t l is expected in comparison with countries like romania and serbia communication style ­ formal indirect reserved quiet and sober unlike other slavs esp serbs and russians noisy public disputes are frowned upon good listeners humble low self-esteem hard-working and industrious good organizers not punctual although more punctual than other balkan cultures punctual no sense of urgency considered by their balkan neighbours as slow-moving business is never rushed patience is required can be suspicious and envious of their peers ­ strong sense of equality highly individualistic deep inside and can repel imposed authority and regulations strongly but quietly gestures for yes and no may be opposite to common european ones in some areas same in greece and albania xiv-xix cent ­ part of ottoman empire till 1908 1944-1989 ­ socialist republic under the soviet influence 1990ies 1990i ­ economic reforms i f 2007 ­ eu entry romania · · · romania history roman province of dacia influenced by bulgaria and byzantium in viii-x cent x cent ­ principalities of transylvania walachia and moldavia are formed f d since xi cent ­ principalities partly joined to hungary occupied by tatars then ottoman empire xv-xvi cent then austro-hungarian empire transylvania russian protectorate walachia moldavia walachia xix cent principalities unite and an independent kingdom of romania is formed after wwii ­ romania is joined to the soviet bloc 1965-1989 ceausescu dictatorship gradually ruins economy 1990 ­ first free elections 1991 ­ new constitution 1993 ­ applied for eu membership 2007 ­ romania joins eu sensitive issues hungarian minority 7 in transylvania ­ potential separatist tendencies moldova ­ join or not join romania · · · · · · bran dracula s castle romania culture · · · · · ethnic origin not slavic trace back their ancestry to dacians ­ ancient inhabitants of balkans conquered and romanized by romans religion mostly orthodox 87 also catholic ethnic groups romanians 90 hungarians 7 roma gypsy 2.5 language romanian romance group related to italian spanish portuguese deriving from vulgar latin behavior hierarchical organizations management style ­ autocratic but paternalistic status is important titles age position communication style f c i ti t l formal and polite good orators i di t b i t l d lit d t indirect being too direct is considered rude prefer long discussions and presentations attentive but suspicious listeners and may interrupt if see contradictions very close distance more than balkan slavs close-distance punctuality low meetings start 30-45 minutes late but visitors are expected to be punctual appointments are to be scheduled in advance 2-3 weeks bargaining and cheating outsiders is normal to keep in mind animosity towards hungarians central eastern europe · · · · czech republic slovakia hungary poland ·

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czech republic czech republic history · ix cent ­ great moravian empire of the slavic groups is created incl bohemia czech rep slovakia part of hungary and poland roman catholicism is adopted · xiii cent ­ bohemian kingdom since xiv cent mostly under german rule holy roman empire austro-hungary · xiv cent ­ the rule of charles iv father of the czech nation the 1st central european university is established in prague · xvi-xx cent ­ bohemia ruled by habsburgs part of austrohungary · czechoslovak republic is established after wwi · communism is established after wwii · 1968 prague spring · 1993 ­ velvet divorce between czech and slovak republics · 2004 ­ czech republic joins eu prague czech republic culture · · · language czech slavic ­ very close to slovak alphabet ­ latin religion ­ roman catholic but see themselves as bad catholics ­ atheist and agnostic and proud of that fact business culture strongly influenced by german ways individualism much more pronounced than in other slavs work ethic strong pragmatic rational and disciplined egalitarian ­ seeking equality and democracy status is conferred by education communication style ­ calm reserved emotionally neutral formal academic calm neutral titles important very direct similar to northern europe passive resistance is preferred to open confrontation like structures planning order regulations and predictability not happy with handling h h dli chaos and ambiguity d bi i good and polite listeners but give little feedback long-distance comfort distance 1m punctual work starts early 7 am is normal slovakia · to keep in mind slovaks are best not discussed bratislava slovakia history · one of the constituent lands of the great moravian empire along with bohemia present-day czech rep · gradually annexed by hungary after the fall of the great moravian empire x cent · xiii cent ­ attacked by the mongols cent · united with czechs after wwi · independent since 1993 · joined eu in 2004 · · slovakia culture ethnic origins slavs very close to czechs language slovak slavic ­ very close to czech and can be understood also by poles bulgarians and ex-yugoslavs more easily poles bulgarians than any other alphabet ­ latin religion catholic unlike czechs are good believers deep layers of culture sense of historical victimization oppressive hungarian rule patronized during czechoslovak times mustn t be seen as similar to czechs or as their younger brothers behavior much less egalitarian society than czech age position and connections confer status hierarchy is respected more close-distance than czechs less than 1m punctual ­ unpunctuality is bad manners suspicious and highly distrustful of official information communication style ­ indirect try to avoid confrontation and offence by all means good listeners but don t like boring presenters · · ·

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czechs and slovaks czechs germanic tendencies restrained nationalism calm passive soft speakers open to criticism sexes nearly equal stick to rules low-key ldlk leaders clear instructions thrifty complain little status by education communication direct punctual slovaks slavic tendencies nationalistic charismatic vigorous speakers loquacious sensitive to criticism male-dominated relaxed about rules autocratic leaders a t ti l d vague instructions spend and borrow complain and grumble status by family connections wealth age communication indirect punctual hungary budapest hungary history · ix-x cent ­ magyar nomadic tribes move from the central asia urals into central europe the hungarian state is established · xiii cent ­ brief mongol invasion almost destroys the country · xv-xvi cent ­ part of hungary conquered by the ottoman empire part is joined to habsburg austria austro hungarian empire austro-hungarian empire lasting until wwi · lost 2/3 of its territory after wwi · communists come to power after wwii · 1990 ­ communists lose elections · 2004 ­ hungary joins eu · · · hungary culture ethnic origins ­ not slavic magyars were a nomad tribe which moved into central europe in ix-x cent love for horses still strong religion catholic 52 protestant calvinist and lutheran 19 other unaffiliated 39 behavior individualistic and prefer face-to-face communication in conferring status value academic artistic and scientific achievements g status symbols are important punctual although can lose sense of time if involved in animated conversation agendas are not always respected close-distance cl di t communication style ­ formal at the initial stages emotional but loud talk is not appreciated exaggerating indirect but can ask personal questions dialogue rather than monologue-oriented value an art of conversation not the best of listeners and expect the presenter to demonstrate liveliness energy and wit like to see all the details before making a decision very strong sense on national and personal honor and pride gallant toward women g ll t t d · to keep in mind better referred to as central europe not eastern proud of their uniqueness and wine poland · · · poland history x cent ­ polish state is created xii-xiii cent ­ disintegration influx of german settlers xiv cent ­ poland and lithuania are united through dynastic alliance polish-lithuanian commonwealth since xvi cent incl territories of latvia belarus parts of ukraine estonia russia nobility as a ruling power and elective monarchy religious tolerance established by law xviii cent ­ decline of poland-lithuania due to struggles within nobility 1791 ­ first constitution in europe is adopted 1795 ­ poland-lithuania is divided between austria prussia and russia · · · · · warsaw poland regains independence after wwi communists come to power after wwii 1991 ­ free elections and transition from communism j 2004 ­ poland joins eu

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poland culture · · · · a very ethnically and religiously homogenous country dominant religion ­ catholic 90 ­ good believers ­ 75 practicing faith very important for self-identification deep layers of culture honor chivalry and fearlessness are basic values a honor strong sense of defensive nationalism as a means of survival behavior mostly individualistic and self-reliant but able to work collectively self reliant hierarchical organizations decisions are expected to come from the top status is conferred by age education and gender relatively punctual but not obsessed about time ­ relationships come first communication style ­ formal at the initial stage but emotional later direct but diplomatic display and expect both pragmatic and sentimental wordy approach polite listeners but skeptical and suspicious of official information listeners friendly when well treated but aggressive under pressure or in case of injustice and abuse of trust close-distance very gallant toward women socializing is important the baltic states · lithuania · latvia · estonia · ex-soviet republics · now in the eu · to keep in mind czechs russians and other slavs are better not discussed baltic states history of the baltic states general overview g lo i · baltic lithuania latvia and finno-ugric estonia ethnic groups living on the present territories since 2000 bc · tribal organization didn t form strong states · last pagans in europe ­ attacks from crusading orders converted to christianity by 13 cent · dominated by bigger nations lithuania ­ poland latvia poland germans crusaders traders of the hanseatic league estonia ­ swedes germans · xvii xviii cent ­ joined to the russian empire xvii-xviii cent · declared independence after wwi · joined to the soviet union in 1940 · independent again in 1990-1991 · joined eu in 2004 estonia estonia history · ix-xii cent ­ viking period territory controlled by danes swedes and germans · xiv-xvi cent ­ after northern crusades xiii cent estonia is mostly controlled by german teutonic and livonian knights then sweden · xvii cent ­ estonia is joined to the russian empire · p l i di d proclaimed independence after wwi d ft · joined to the soviet union in 1940 independent again in 1991 · joined eu in 2004 tallinn

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estonia culture · main ethnic groups estonian 68 russian 26 · language ­ estonian finno-ugric close to finnish · religion not p g particularly religious main religions are protestant y g g lutheran 14 and orthodox 13 · behavior very individualistic and sure of their capabilities prefer to lead rather than be led work ethic strong often work overtime if task not finished punctual good planners love of order pragmatic thrifty proud of their honesty scrupulous honesty the most introverted and restrained of the baltic cultures emotionally very neutral long-distance communication style self description reserved critical closed stubborn self-description reserved wooden direct and straightforward value concise and factual speakers good listeners but give almost no feedback although transaction rather than relationship-oriented good connections are important and time is needed to build trust latvia · to keep in mind estonians should not be confused with finns latvians or lithuanians relationships with russia shouldn t be discussed with estonians riga latvia history · si since ix cent ­ ltit ib conquered b viki t latvian tribes d by vikings th then teutonic and livonian knights xiii-xvi cent · xii-xiii cent ­ latvians are baptized p · xiii cent ­ terra mariana latvia+estonia is established by crusaders riga is founded and included into hanseatic league northern german trading organization · xvi cent ­ livonian war estonia is joined to sweden latvia ­ to poland-lithuania · xvii-xviii cent ­ latvia is joined to the russian empire · 1918 latvia declares independence after wwi wwi recognized by the soviet russia · 1940 ­ baltic states are joined to the soviet union · 1991 ­ independence is proclaimed · 2004 ­ latvia joins eu · · · latvia culture ethnic groups latvian 58 russian 30 belarusian and ukrainian 7 language latvian lettish one of two living baltic languages another i li h h is lithuanian cl i close to li h lithuanian b not mutually i but ll intelligible behavior work ethic strong but lack of sense of urgency ­ no rush approach strong individualistic and wish to lead not be led similar to estonians although sometimes reluctant to show initiative respect firm confident knowledgeable leadership however generation of soviet autocratic managers is still alive emotionally neutral although become warmer as relationships evolve long-distance communication style reserved factual unemotional rhetoric is to be reserved factual unemotional avoided being serious is very important good listeners very polite punctual honest and loyal but suspicious of officials and things official · to keep in mind latvia should be treated as a distinct nation and not confused with other baltic states lithuania · · · lithuania history lithuanians are one of the baltic ethnic groups living in the region since 2000 bc later mixed with slavs separate pagan tribes till xiii cent s ib ill xiii-xiv cent ­ lithuania is united to oppose advancing teutonic and livonian knights kingdom of lithuania is established and gradually extends to the black sea incl ukraine and belarus incl xiv cent ­ lithuania is united with poland xviii ­ most of lithuania becomes part of russia after the collapse of poland-lithuania p l d lith i lithuania is occupied by germany during wwi and proclaims independence in 1918 1940 ­ lith lithuania latvia and estonia are joined to the soviet union ilti de tijidt th situi 1990 ­ lithuania is the first soviet republic to proclaim independence 2004 ­ lithuania joins eu · · · · · · vilnus

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lithuania culture · · · · ethnic groups lithuanian 83 polish 7 russian 6 83 7 religions predominantly catholic 79 language lithuanian ­ one of two living baltic languages another is latvian behavior less pragmatic individualistic and punctual than latvians and estonians so a s the least reserved of the other baltic cultures latvians and estonians regard them as loquacious although not as emotional as slavs loud talk is common like to argue communication style combination of nordic reasonableness and polish sensitivity formal but emotional after the initial stage good listeners but suspicious of official and official-sounding information personal relationships and friendships very important prefer to turn business relationships into friendships socializing is vital conservative and unwilling to take responsibility in older generations cautious like other baltic nations industrious hardworking and modest and value modesty in others eastern europe · moldova · ukraine · b l belarus · ex-soviet republics · now in the cis · to keep in mind lithuanians should not be mixed with other baltic states moldova · · moldova history x cent ­ moldavia is one of the romanian principalities along with transylvania and walachia xiii-xiv cent occupied by the tatars serving as a protective zone for hungary controlled by lithuania and poland in xv-xvi cent then by the ottoman empire in xvi-xviii cent part of the russian empire in xviii-xix cent 1918-1940 divided between romania west of dniester river and soviet union east of dniester transnistria then re-united as a soviet socialist republic of moldova declared independence in 1990 1990-1992 transnistria conflict transnistria trans-dniester region · 70 of population russians ukrainians · part of ukrainian ssr in 1918-1940 part of moldavian ssr in 1940-1991 self-proclaimed republic after 1990 pridnestrovian moldavian republic · although no open warfare since 1992 conflict is still unresolved · · · · chisinau moldova culture · · · · · · · ethnic origin ­ same as romanians culturally very close to romanians although it must be kept in mind y y y that moldova is a very ethnically diverse country ethnic groups moldavians romanians 78 ukrainians 8.4 and russians 6 mostly living in transnistria gagauz ­ orthodox turkic ethnic group 4.4 in gagauzia religion predominantly orthodox 98 main question moldova and romania one entity or two different entites romania moldovans are romanians moldova is a part of romania moldovan language is a dialect of romanian moldova strong political drive in favour of romanization adoption of latin alphabet in moldovan ­ cyrillic in schools history of cyrillic moldova substituted by history of romania but over 75 of citizens of moldova consider themselves moldovans 2 romanians 76 consider their language moldovan not romanian belarus and ukraine general overview · inhabited by east slavic tribes since 4-5 cent · part of east slavic state kievan rus adoption of orthodox christianity in x cent cent · after dissolution of kievan rus in xii cent ukraine and belarus are subjugated to lithuania and poland western part of ukraine is now catholic etwttf uk i i c th li eastern uk i and ukraine d most parts of belarus are orthodox · · · · became soviet republics in 1918-1919 the three founders of the soviet union in 1922 declared independence in 1991 members of commonwealth of independent states cis cis established in 1991 · economies industrialized during soviet period before that ­ primaril agrarian societies favorable climate primarily fa orable

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belarus belarus history · originally inhabited by east slavs part of kievan rus since ix cent · xiii cent ­ part of the grand duchy of lithuania · xvi-xviii cent ­ part of the joint state of lithuania and pldd poland · since xviii cent ­ part of the russian empire then ussr · since 1991 ­ independent republic of belarus · currently ­ the last dictatorship in europe under y p p president alexandr lukashenko since 20 july 1994 minsk ukraine · · ukraine history ix-xii cent ­ center of the east slavic state kievan rus with the capital in kiev ruled by varangians vikings xii cent ­ kievan rus disintegrates into several feudal states which later form ukraine belarus and russia russian lands gathered around moscow state xiii cent ­ mongol invasion and further weakening of feudal states xvi cent ­ t it t territory of ukraine subjugated bpld lith f uk i bj t d by poland-lithuania i polonization adoption of catholicism and intensive enserfement of native population lead to resistance and creation of cossack state eastern ukraine left bank of dnepr river which applies for protection to russia in xvii cent river cent cossack state is integrated into russia territories west of dnepr become part of poland 1922 ­ eastern ukraine becomes one of the founders of the soviet union 1939 ­ western ukraine is joined to the soviet union forming ukrainian ssr 1991 ­ ukraine proclaims independence current situation political tensions between coalitions president and government · · · · · · · kiev-pechersk lavra in kiev belarus ukraine and russia common cultural features · disrespect for rules and laws · hierarchic organizations subjugation out of fear and fatalism rather than respect p · emotional loquacious and can be direct in communication · relationship-oriented ­ personal face-to-face relationships are the key · cynical and fatalistic y · social envy · unpunctuality belarus ukraine and russia perceptions of each other relationships between countries brotherhood partnership competition enmity don t know feelings toward other nation affinity indifference antipathy undecided russians with with ukraine belarus 21,5 37,1 28,9 43,4 26,5 9,3 15,5 2,3 7,6 7,9 russians ukraine belarus 55,5 63,3 29,3 28,3 10 2,3 23 5,2 6,1 ukrainians with with russia belarus 27,3 28 30,1 42,6 23,8 9,9 12,7 2,3 6 17,2 ukrainians russia belarus 70,7 69,2 21 24,3 3,9 39 0,8 08 4,5 5,7 y byelorussians with with russia ukraine 43,8 25,5 41,9 42,8 5,8 8,6 1,4 2,8 7,1 20,2 byelorussians russia ukraine 67,7 53,5 17,9 24,4 3 4,9 49 11,3 17,2 source demoscope 2006

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russians as seen by themselves ukrainians and byelorussians russians kind p hospitable good-natured warm-hearted industrious drink too much ingenuous ingenuous unsophisticated open lazy great-hearted big soul friendly 31,1 16,8 12,3 11,2 11 2 10,5 10,1 9,6 9,1 ukrainians kind open p hospitable industrious great-hearted big soul lazy friendly drink too much self-opinionated and egoistic slavs like us 31,9 11,6 11,5 10,9 10 9 9,3 8,7 8,2 7,8 byelorussians kind hospitable p lazy brave and heroic drink to much friendly industrious open 28,3 19,6 15,1 9,6 96 8,8 8,8 8,2 7,5 ukrainians as seen by themselves russians and byelorussians ukrainians industrious kind hospitable p open tolerant cunning friendly great-hearted big soul proud and loving freedom slavic roots 40,6 35,6 14,3 9,7 9 8,5 7,9 6,8 6,2 5,8 russians cunning hospitable greedy industrious hedonistic kind thrifty good-natured ethno-centric nationalistic friendly 26,6 17,3 16,3 12,1 11,7 10 9,6 5,1 5 4,9 byelorussians cunning industrious hospitable greedy y kind merry cheerful opportunistic heard-headed calculative ethno-centric nationalistic impertinent 33,2 25,2 21,3 18,3 16,5 15,6 5,5 5,1 5,1 4,9 7,4 74 6,3 7,7 77 7,1 merry clever 6,3 63 5,9 byelorussians as seen by themselves russians and ukrainians byelorussians kind industrious patient p ti t hospitable calm friendly p open sympathetic softhearted unsophisticated sociable 46,5 41,4 31,9 31 9 29,1 6,9 69 6,9 6,6 4,9 4,9 49 4,8 russians kind industrious hospitable h it bl good-natured unsophisticated friendly open p calm scrupulous sympathetic softhearted 19.4 18,6 10,2 10 2 7,5 7,3 73 6,7 5,0 4,9 4,9 49 4,8 ukranians kind industrious friendly f i dl open hospitable calm and modest slavs like ourselves weak independent great-hearted big soul 34,0 25,3 13,9 13 9 8,9 8,8 88 6,1 5,8 5,4 5,4 54 4,8 ukraine specific cultural features · thrifty as opposed to big soul and generosity · more individualistic as compared to russians and byelorussians seeking primarily personal benefits · conservative and suspicious of novelties · less inclined to tolerate autocratic leadership · no emotional involvement and perseverance of one s one s interests · being cunning means ability to fox out of risky situations and unwelcome work belarus specific cultural features · peaceful tolerant and submissive don t peaceful submissive don t like conflicts to be resolved by force · sober and level headed level-headed · aversion of aggression · lack of self-confidence and self-respect · less ethno-centric or nationalistic than their neighbours the summary of eastern europe

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hofstede s dimensions 1 2 3 3 power distance refers to the degree of inequality in the distribution of power in society and the degree to which less powerful members accept the inequality as normal normal individualism vs collectivism the degree to which people prefer to see themselves as individuals rather group members masculinity vs femininity s i t emphasis on t m li it f i i it society s h i tough values h l assertiveness competition performance striving to success vs values of good relationships and caring for others uncertainty avoidance reflects the extent to which people in a f society feel threatened by ambiguity and therefore try to avoid ambiguous situations by providing means to increase certainty and predictability incl l d di t bilit i l laws and rules d l long-term orientation refers to an emphasis on future and long-term planning includes persistence thrift and patience in waiting for results power distance slovakia hofstede czech r hofstede poland hofstede hungary hofstede bulgaria hofstede romania hofstede yugoslavia hofstede montenegro bosnia&herz macedonia slovenia hofstede croatia hofstede serbia hofstede albania hofstede estonia hofstede latvia hüttinger 07 lithuania hüttinger 07 belarus kustin 06 moldova ukraine sheremeta 02 104 57 68 46 70 90 76 71 72 86 90 40 44 42 61 70 individualism 52 58 60 80 30 30 27 27 33 25 20 60 70 60 66 53 masculinity 110 57 64 88 40 42 21 19 40 43 80 30 9 19 68 uncertainty av 51 74 93 82 85 90 88 88 80 92 70 60 63 65 72 63 long-term or 38 13 32 50 25 30 4 5 slovakia albania romania moldova serbia yugoslavia g bosnia&herz macedonia montenegro croatia slovenia bulgaria ukraine poland belarus b l czech r hungary latvia lithuania 87 estonia 104 36 90 90 86 76 72 71 70 70 68 61 57 46 44 42 40 power distance hungary latvia belarus 80 70 66 60 60 60 58 53 52 33 30 30 27 27 25 20 individualism poland estonia lithuania czech r ukraine slovakia croatia romania moldova bulgaria yugoslavia montenegro m t bosnia&herz macedonia slovenia serbia albania ukraine slovakia hungary albania belarus poland czech r serbia romania moldova bulgaria croatia estonia yugoslavia montenegro m t bosnia&herz macedonia slovenia lithuania latvia 110 32 88 80 68 64 57 43 42 40 40 30 21 19 19 9 poland 93 92 90 88 88 85 82 80 74 72 70 65 63 63 60 51 70 masculinity serbia romania moldova yugoslavia montenegro g bosnia&herz macedonia slovenia bulgaria hungary croatia czech r belarus albania alb i lithuania latvia ukraine estonia slovakia uncertainty avoidance ?

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