Book Description
The postcommunist transitions to a market economy raised doubts about the political sustainability of an economic reform under democracy. At the same time, they turned the attention to the centrality of political factors in policy-making. Latvia has succeeded in proceeding into the consolidation phase of its market reforms while remaining committed to both political pluralism and macroeconomic austerity. Even if politics were not treated as a mere constraint, the basic question does not change: how are the government's adjustment choices in the political process?
Card catalog description
The experience of postcommunist countries during the 1990s has increased the awareness of the centrality of political factors in economic policy-making. The present study focuses on the ways in which Latvia's transition strategy has been shaped in response to political pressures.
About the Author
Marja Nissinen is Researcher at VTT Technical Research Center Group of Finland.
Latvia's Transition to a Market Economy: Political Determinants of Economic Reform Policy FROM THE PUBLISHER
The experience of postcommunist countries during the 1990s has increased the awareness of the centrality of political factors in economic policy-making. The present study focuses on the ways in which Latvia's transition strategy has been shaped in response to political pressures.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
As one example of the experiences of other transitional economics, examines how the Baltic country's transition strategy has been shaped in response to political pressures. Assumes that reform strategies are based on some underlying set of values, that is ideology incorporates not only various political points of view, but also economic theories. Finds that the lack of a significant political force opposing the shift to a market economy, allows a broad coalition to continue governing even when Parliament is fragmented. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknew.com)