Capitalism in East-Central Europe
Variants and External Influences: A Critique of the Literature
Katharina Bluhm, Vera Trappmann
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
Political economy analyses capitalism in East-Central Europe with two approaches. Using the first approach, it looks into the institutional varieties of market economies that have come into being in the past 20 years and places the countries on a continuum from liberal to coordinated. In this way, differences between national economies are brought to light. The other approach examines similarities. It stresses the enormous significance of the European Union, as well as transnational companies, and identifies a particular “dependent” or “peripheral” capitalism in East-Central Europe. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses. What is needed is a synthesis.
(Osteuropa 6/2010, pp. 61–74)