Synopses & Reviews
In this book Kazimierz Poznanski offers an integrated study of institutional change in the Polish economy since 1971. He examines the economic peak of the communist phase, the decline of the system, and the post-communist transition since 1989. He provides a complete reevaluation of conventional views of communist economies and the post-communist transition, arguing that the political pressures that affected the communist system have continued to have a disastrous impact on recent "shock therapy" reforms.
Review
"This book is indispensable reading for both students of transition in general and regional experts specializing in Poland." Bartlomiej Kaminski, Slavic Review
Table of Contents
Introduction; Part I. Imperfect Decentralization, Broken Political Contracts and Foreign-Debt Crisis: 1. Import-led growth under soft planning; 2. Impact of technology imports on national economy; 3. The constraining role of political factors; Part II. Economic Reforms, Divided Society and 'Growth Fatigue': 4. Anti-crisis policies and elusive economic recovery; 5. Foreign trade developments: underutilized potential; 6. Political Struggles and economic malaise; Part III. Communist Legacy, 'Shock Therapy' and Economic Recession: 7. Costly transition to 'hard' markets; 8. Political coalitions and property reform; 9. Paradox of continuity in change.