Romani political mobilization and the activities of international organizations have been chiefly directed at influencing state minority policies because in most cases remedies for the Romani community's grievances either come from or are originated and directed by the state. The modern state may be thought of as the sum of different bureaucracies or institutions that often have varying perspectives on the issues they confront. This is certainly the case where minorities are concerned. The East European countries, which regained their full sovereignty only after the fall of communism, have faced the challenge of building democratic states. An important part of this task has been to establish institutions that are conducive to constructive relations with ethnic minorities.

The primary focus of this chapter is on the political institutions that represent or embody the state to minorities. I am especially interested in how these institutions – from the president to local authorities – differ in their views of the Roma from state to state because these variations go far in explaining the policies states pursue. Part I is a comparative analysis of these institutions. Part II explores the role and importance of state institutions – generally subordinated to the government or legislature – that directly deal with Gypsy issues. Part III examines the various policy areas of special concern to the Roma and the effect they have had on their lives. The East European states' specific programs and their impact on Gypsy communities will be examined in the next chapter.