ABSTRACT

In the last three decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall, there has been a vast amount of study looking at transforming the planned economy to a market economy from both theoretical and empirical aspects. This book provides an overview and insight into transition economies in the recent decades and looks at key economics topics from the so-called “transition strategy debate” to environmental reform.

The book also includes an analytical review and meta-analysis of the existing literature. By integrating theoretical discussions and synthesizing empirical findings in a systematic manner, this book may help to enlighten the debate on the timing, speed, and policy sequence of economic transition.

The book will particularly appeal to researchers, policy makers, other practitioners, and under- and post-graduate students who are interested in transition economies in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Southeast Asia, and China. It aims to be read as an advanced reader.

chapter 1|24 pages

The economics of transition

Aim, methodology, and structure

chapter 2|42 pages

Transition strategy debate

Radicalism versus gradualism

chapter 3|52 pages

Transformational recession and recovery

Determinants of the J-curved growth path

chapter 4|26 pages

Economic transition and poverty

Changes in the determinants of poverty

chapter 5|34 pages

Social confusion and corruption

Investigating the causes and effects of a breakdown of ethics

chapter 9|43 pages

Foreign direct investment in transition economies

Its determinants and macroeconomic impacts