"Taking Slovakia as a case study, this volume investigates the role of leadership and political leaders in post-communist Europe. In particular it explores the role played by the three-time prime minister Vladimir Meciar in determining the course of Slovak politics in the 1990s. Building on the concepts of 'constraint' and 'opportunity' and the strategic-relational approach, Tim Haughton advances an arena-based model of leadership." "The volume will be of particular interest to advanced students of Central and East European politics and political scientists interested in issues of leadership."--Jacket.