Multidimensional Political Ideologies in Central and Eastern Europe

In the ever-evolving political landscapes of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the quest to understand voter ideology remains a critical endeavor for both scholars and policymakers. This study employs Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to dissect the ideological profiles of voters in three pivotal CEE countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. Utilizing robust data from the European Values Study (EVS), the research delves into the multi-dimensional structure of political attitudes, encompassing a wide array of topics such as socioeconomic challenges, post-materialist concerns, attitudes towards European Union (EU) integration, and perspectives on immigration. By transcending traditional political categorizations, this study identifies distinct latent classes, uncovering the intricate and complex ideological landscapes that characterize these post-communist countries. Through a detailed examination of voter responses, the analysis sheds light on the nuanced interplay between economic status, cultural values, and national identity, revealing significant ideological diversity and variations in the structure of political ideologies across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. The methodological approach of LCA allows for a granular understanding of voter segments, delineating how distinct ideological patterns correlate with varying degrees of openness to EU policies, responses to immigration, and the prioritization of post-materialist values. The findings indicate not only diversity but also dynamic ideological shifts that reflect the region's unique historical context and ongoing social transformations. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of political fragmentation and polarization in the CEE region. The varied ideological profiles uncovered by the analysis highlight a complex electoral landscape, where traditional left-right distinctions are inadequate to fully capture the breadth of political thought. The results emphasize the need for a more sophisticated approach to electoral strategy and policy formulation, one that is attuned to the electorate's diverse and evolving priorities.