From the Soviet Bloc to the European Union: The Economic and Social Transformation of Central and Eastern Europe since 1973
Cambridge University Press, 12/2/2009
EAN 9780521729505, ISBN10: 0521729505
Paperback, 316 pages, 24.7 x 17.4 x 1.8 cm
Language: English
The Soviet Union's dramatic collapse in 1989 was a pivotal moment in the complex history of Central and Eastern Europe, and Ivan Berend here offers a magisterial new account of the dramatic transformation that culminated in ten former Soviet Bloc countries joining the European Union. Taking the OPEC oil crisis of 1973 as his starting point, he charts the gradual unravelling of state socialism in Central and Eastern Europe, its ultimate collapse in the revolutions of 1989, and the economic restructuring and lasting changes in income, employment, welfare, education and social structure which followed. He pays particular attention to the crucial role of the European Union as well as the social and economic hurdles that continue to face former Eastern-bloc nations as they try to catch up with their Western neighbours. This will be essential reading for scholars and students of European and economic history, European politics and economics.
Introduction
1. The economic factors of the collapse of state socialism and the new international environment, 1973–1991
2. Transformation and policy mistakes
dramatic economic decline
3. Towards better times
the European Union and its policy of eastwards enlargement
4. Recuperation and growth
the role of foreign direct investment
5. Economic restructuring
transforming main sectors, economic recovery, weaknesses and growth
6. Transformation and social shock
7. Lasting social changes in income, employment, welfare institutions, educational and settlement structure
Epilogue
the future of catching-up in the European 'melting pot'.