Building Capitalism
Building Capitalism
This book offers the most comprehensive empirical analysis of the economic transformation of the countries comprising the former Soviet bloc during the first decade after communism. It debunks many myths, seeing transition as a struggle between radical reformers and those thriving on rent seeking. Privatization has undoubtedly been beneficial, and its positive effects will grow over time. The main problem has been the continuation of large, unregulated and ubiquitous state apparatuses living on corruption, while no country has suffered from too radical reforms. Where malpractices of the elite can be checked, market reforms and democracy have proceeded together.
- A most comprehensive economic, social, and political analysis of the former Soviet bloc countries 10 years after Communism
- Author Åslund was economic advisor to Boris Yeltsin and the head of Ukraine, and is internationally known for his work
- Balanced picture presented of post Soviet problems, especially corruption, and signs of longer-term stability for many countries
Reviews & endorsements
"Is there anything inevitable about the sharpness of Russia's economic mood swings? Useful evidence for anyone considering this conundrum is provided by...the...technical economic analysis offered by veteran Russia-watchers as Anders Aslund." The Economist
"A fact-filled and challenging analysis for anyone interested in one of the great transformations of the past half-century." Foreign Affairs
Product details
December 2001Hardback
9780521801393
532 pages
236 × 158 × 33 mm
0.827kg
13 b/w illus. 62 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- List of tables and charts
- Acknowledgements
- List of abbreviations
- Introduction
- 1. What communism actually was
- 2. The decline and fall of socialism
- 3. Strategic policy choices
- 4. Changes in output and their causes
- 5. Liberalization
- 6. Financial stabilization
- 7. Privatization
- 8. Social developments and policy
- 9. State and politics in the transformation
- 10. Role of the outside world
- 11. Conclusions
- Bibliography
- Index.
