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Introduction

In: Institutional Barriers in the Transition to Market

Author

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  • Christopher A. Hartwell

Abstract

Jokes such as the one above were common throughout the Soviet Union and its associated satellite states during the years under communism, with only the location changing. More importantly, the jokes told under the communist regimes were not far at all from the truth. In each country under the yoke of communism, the continuation of an economic system that could not provide for its citizens resulted in rationing, lines for food and general economic stagnation. This reality was perhaps most evident in the Soviet Union, which, after 73 years under the communist system, still had (based on a “one-day check of [Moscow’s] meat stores by Government inspectors”) on one day in 1990 “no meat … at 730 stores, or 57 percent” (Clines 1990). Lest we think that this day was an aberration, “in June [1990], 35 stores had no meat. In July, it was 65 stores, and in August, 272 stores, or 21 percent” (Ibid.).

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher A. Hartwell, 2013. "Introduction," Studies in Economic Transition, in: Institutional Barriers in the Transition to Market, chapter 1, pages 1-12, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:stuchp:978-1-137-32371-2_1
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137323712_1
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