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Velká transformace střední a východní Evropy: úspěch a zklamání
[The great transformation of central and eastern Europe: success and disappointment]

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  • János Kornai

Abstract

The study examines the changes of the Central Eastern European region first in the context of world history. It confirms by comparative historical analyses that the transformation was indeed unique. This has been the only total transformation that took place peacefully, without violence, and at the same time astonishingly fast, in the main direction of the economic and the political changes of Western civilization. From that perspective it is an exceptional success story. However, from the perspective of everyday life, the result is different. Deep economic troubles are experienced by a considerable portion of the population. The perception of losses is intensified by various cognitive problems. Based on the experience of today's generation, evaluating the change as an unequivocal success would be unwarranted. Both approaches are justified: it would be wrong to blend the two and to weigh them by the same scale.

Suggested Citation

  • János Kornai, 2006. "Velká transformace střední a východní Evropy: úspěch a zklamání [The great transformation of central and eastern Europe: success and disappointment]," Politická ekonomie, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2006(4), pages 435-466.
    • Handle: RePEc:prg:jnlpol:v:2006:y:2006:i:4:id:568:p:435-466
    DOI: 10.18267/j.polek.568
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mirdala, Rajmund, 2007. "Decomposition of external capital inflows and outflows in the small open transition economy (The case analysis of the Slovak republic)," MPRA Paper 7248, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Katz, Barbara G. & Owen, Joel, 2013. "Exploring tax evasion in the context of political uncertainty," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 141-154.
    4. Triandafil, Cristina Maria, 2011. "The Analysis Of The Convergence Criteria. Empirical Perspective In The Context Of The Sustainable Character Highlight," Working Papers of National Institute for Economic Research 111205, Institutul National de Cercetari Economice (INCE).
    5. Nikolay Nenovsky, 2010. "Monetary Regimes In Post-Communist Countries Some Long-Term Reflections," Analele Stiintifice ale Universitatii "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" din Iasi - Stiinte Economice (1954-2015), Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 57, pages 217-234, november.
    6. Olga Demidova & Marcello Signorelli, 2010. "The Impact of Crises on Youth Unemployment of Russian Regions: An Empirical Analysis," Quaderni del Dipartimento di Economia, Finanza e Statistica 78/2010, Università di Perugia, Dipartimento Economia.
    7. Enrico Marelli & Marcello Signorelli, 2010. "Employment, productivity and models of growth in the EU," International Journal of Manpower, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 31(7), pages 732-754, October.
    8. Agnes Szunomar (ed.), 2014. "Chinese investments and financial engagement in Visegrad countries - Myth or reality?," Economic books, Institute for World Economics - Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, number 201411.
    9. László Szerb & William Trumbull, 2015. "Entrepreneurship and transition in the European transition countries," ERSA conference papers ersa15p669, European Regional Science Association.
    10. Rovelli, Riccardo & Zaiceva, Anzelika, 2009. "Transition Fatigue? Cross-Country Evidence from Micro Data," IZA Discussion Papers 4224, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    11. Fuchs-Schündeln, Nicola, 2009. "On preferences for being self-employed," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 71(2), pages 162-171, August.
    12. Barbara G. Katz, 2009. "Crime and Uncertain Punishment in Transition Economies," Working Papers 09-12, New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Department of Economics.
    13. Zubovic, Jovan, 2010. "Razvoj privrede zasnovan na ulaganjima u ljudske resurse i stranim investicijama [Economic Growth Based on Investments in Human Resources and Foreign Investments]," MPRA Paper 64092, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    14. Rossitsa Rangelova Pavlova & Grigor Sariiski, 2015. "Negative Impacts of the Neo-liberal Policies on the Banking Sector in Bulgaria," Contemporary Economics, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw., vol. 9(1), March.
    15. Belke, Ansgar & Bordon, Ingo G. & Melnykovska, Inna & Schweickert, Rainer, 2009. "Prospective membership and institutional change in transition countries," Kiel Working Papers 1562, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    16. Barbara G. Katz & Joel Owen, 2007. "Political Uncertainty and Crime in Transition Economies," Working Papers 07-3, New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Department of Economics.
    17. Rumen Dobrinsky & Peter Havlik, 2014. "Economic Convergence and Structural Change: the Role of Transition and EU Accession," wiiw Research Reports 395, The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    convergence; Central Eastern Europe; ; transition economies; main direction of political and economic transformation; cognitive problems;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • P2 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies
    • P3 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions
    • P5 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems

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