In 1968, somewhat later than in many other Eastern European countries, the Stalin-imposed leader, Antonin Novotny, was succeeded by a figure from the post-Stalin generation, Alexander Dubcek.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: 'Free' Czechoslovakia?: Shadows Over The Transition

Later, in communist Czechoslovakia, he was sacked from his job as head of a national chemistry institute after supporting Alexander Dubcek, a would-be reformer who was toppled in 1968.

ECONOMIST: Otto Wichterle