Abstract This paper explains why economic development was such a crucial question in EasternEurope during the period 1918-1939. The three countries discussed are Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
Tags: EUROPEAN STUDIES (HISTORY, CULTURE) / EASTERNEUROPE, RUSSIA, developmenteasterneurope
Abstract The devolution of the Soviet Union and the abandonment of command economies throughout EasternEurope was one of the most profound developments in the last half of the twentieth century. A dozen years after the 'transition' began the results are still both tentative and mixed. This paper assesses the process with a broad, holistic perspective emphasizing both economic and non-economic factors.
Abstract This paper analyzes the role of ethics in the international business of EasternEurope (EE) by analyzing the transition from communism to capitalism, the effects of the EE business ethics culture on foreign investment, and how international reforms affected individuals and the management of international business in EE. The paper also examines a study of the insurance industry in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries on how to best install ethical values in a transitional society and determine whether the issues would diminish once privatization and regulation matured. In the years since the fall of communism, corruption and ethics have been a problem and EE countries continue to lag behind the rest of the world, the author acknowledges.
Table of Contents:
Communism to Capitalism
Insurance as a Representative Industry
Corruption in EasternEurope International Ethics Reforms
United Nations' View on Ethics
Conclusion
From the Paper "The main conclusion made by Cooper and Dorfman came in comparing the results of their survey to the origins of unethical business in CEE. Bohata concluded that there are three main sources of unethical behavior; those attributed to the communist heritage, those associated with new transitional opportunities, and lastly those that are related to the market system itself. Bohata claims that it is critical for a manager to understand the foundations of such behavior and correct it based upon which of the three categories it falls under."
Tags: perception mistrust, universal code, cultural barriers, internet
Abstract There can be no doubt that the study of the transitional states of EasternEurope and Russia pose an interesting case for economic analysis. The challenges that face these countries can only be understood through a synthesis of capitalist and communist tenets. This involves comparisons and contrasts between both systems. This study will forge down precisely this path, evaluating the experiences of the post-communist states. With the sheer expanse and intensity of the previous Soviet system, it will be shown that, not only has the transition from plan to market been difficult for the countries of East Europe themselves, but also for economists who try to observe progress from afar.
Abstract This paper will look at the advancements made by the traditional economies of Central and EasternEurope, and the difficulties they still face. In the end, it is clear that the transition from communism to capitalism has enjoyed several successes. Using the yardstick of appearances, evidence of this can be seen in the huge advancements made by many of the countries that now very much resemble those of Western Europe. Beneath this fragile fatade, however, it is most certain that the re-learning process involved with transition still has significant obstacles ahead of it.
Abstract This paper argues in support of the flat tax revolution occurring in Central and EasternEurope. It discusses the flat tax as a departure from the Western European tradition of high tax rates to finance expensive social services. The paper explores the benefits of a flat tax.
From the Paper "Each year as April looms ahead talk of tax code reforms boils again to the surface of news commentary, talk radio and political analysis. Perhaps one of the most talked about revolutions in worldwide tax reform is the ..."
Tags: flat tax, taxation, Central Europe, EasternEurope, Germany, France, United States, tax reform, graduated taxation, income tax, corporate revenue, corporate tax
Abstract This paper stresses the importance of institution building in EasternEurope and the interaction between formal and informal rules as one of the possible explanators of encountered difficulties. The general situation in Ukraine is described, as well as the banking system.
From the Paper "The collapse of the Soviet Union bloc created an institutional vacuum in the whole Eastern Europe. Institutional change was seen as a key factor in solving problems. Three crucial issues were on the agenda at the moment: what and how institutions should be chosen, and how quick this process should be, as there was no possibility at that time to identify alternative institutional arrangements and assess precisely their consequences. The transition from socialism to capitalism made institutional restructuring indispensable. After the expiration of the socialist legal framework, new stable rules were required for carrying out interactions. In the then absence of formal rules people fell back on customs and traditions.
The West perceived the end of the communist rule as a clear vote for the capitalism. But it also assumed existence of the rational utility maximizers who would easily identify new opportunities, assess their consequences and allocate scarce resources in the best possible way. In my view transitologists tended to focus on the future rather than the socialist past, but failures of institution building in Ukraine have proved these approaches to be unrealistic and inappropriate in tackling the restructuring of institutions in CEE because, given incomplete knowledge and uncertainty, the importance of transaction costs, was not paid adequate attention to. Transaction costs are costs of resources necessary for the transfer of property rights from one economic agent to another, they include costs of making exchange and maintaining institutional structure. The calculation of costs did not include the costs for convincing people that the legal system was credible and stable, the cost of new institution-building and the costs of making people understand why the institutional restructuring was necessary or what was required for it. Also, according to Bossak, the frequent changing of rules, insecure property rights and restrictions on asset trading also increased such costs."
Tags: capitalism, central, communism, democracy, economics, institutions, politics, post, transformation
Abstract The objective of this paper is to highlight some of the difficulties and implications associated with the market economy reorientation of the transitional economies of the former USSR, particularly the countries of Central and EasternEurope (CEE).
A look at the factors that led to great social, economic, and political changes in EasternEurope after 1878, by analyzing Ivo Andric's "Bridge on the Drina".
Abstract In this paper, an overview is provided of the primary factors that led to massive social, economic, and political changes in EasternEurope after 1878. This paper's thesis is that Ivo Andric's "Bridge on the Drina" and his account of Visegrad after the Austrian takeover in 1878 can be used as a means for documenting the transformations that occurred, as well as the factors that influenced the emerging changes.
From the Paper "Andric uses Visegrad as the setting of the fictional account he provides of the nonfictional and historical transformations that occurred in Europe after 1878 that led to distinct differences in Eastern and Central Europe. The stone bridge at Visegrad with its elaborate design and arches offers a means of observing the long history of troubled relations and coexistence between the Slavic Muslims and the Serbs (Orthodox Slavs) living within Visegrad. Prior to 1878, the town of Visegrad, which lies directly east of Sarajevo, the Bosnian capital, had remained largely embedded in the traditions of the Ottoman Empire and of the eastern Bosnian region influenced by Muslim tradition. Innovations occurring in the Christian/Western world had not been adopted by the Ottoman Empire and Visegrad, as with other towns within the Balkan region, continued to reflect the characteristics of regional differences in languages, customs and loyalties."
Abstract This paper discusses the cultural, political, and social divisiveness that have resulted from a paucity of central governmental services in some of the new nations in EasternEurope and provides an analysis of the causes for the violent confrontations that have taken place in the recent past.
From the Paper "The breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 resulted in a number of newly independent nations, whose borders were frequently based on old geopolitical lines without regard for the ethnically based demographics involved. Without a central government in place in many of these regions of Eastern Europe, basic public services have failed, economies have faltered or collapsed and wars have broken out between ethnic factions within these countries."
Abstract In this article, the writer explores several of the key factors that contributed to the era of the Soviet Union's control of EasternEurope and discusses them. The writer points out that more than a decade ago, the Soviet Union made the decision to completely dismantle its government structure and begin rebuilding. The writer then describes how the world watched in awe as the initial steps began and for the past 10 years has watched the Soviet Union struggle as it tries to find its way in the unfamiliar world of democracy. The writer concludes that the Soviet Union realized that it could not maintain success nor could it properly care for its people if it maintained its communist regime. The writer looks at how it dismantled its structure and provided freedom to the nations that it occupied for so long and at the same time has been working toward a democratic way of life.
Outline:
Introduction
How the Soviet Union Maintained Control
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The Soviet Union refused to allow any hope of independent political interests or parties. In addition, there was no criticism of the communist party allowed. To do so brought swift and severe punishment that could include prison or death.
Stalin also imposed his own ideals about economics. He created and designed a socialist economic model that the nations were expected to follow. All means of production and wealth were owned and controlled by the government. This meant that factories, farms, mines and any other method of making money was controlled by and owned by the government which was in turn ruled by the Soviet Union. This allowed the Soviet Union to maintain complete control over every aspect of those nations' economics."
Abstract This paper relates that Ivan T. Berend, in his book "History Derailed: Central and EasternEurope during the Long Nineteenth Century", discusses the perceptible insecurity of Eastern and Central Europe as it witnessed the dramatic rise of Western Europe to global prominence. The paper then examines Berend's failure, in the book, to draw the explicit linkages that might make the unfolding of Central and Eastern European history more comprehensible to first-time students. Additionally, the paper points out the strong and lucid organization of Berend's work but concludes that, while a generally engaging and well-written text, Berend's work is certainly not without its apparent flaws. .
From the Paper "To begin with, Berend does a capable job of outlining the instigating factors which made it incumbent upon Eastern Europe to "modernize". Not least of all, Eastern and Central Europe was compelled to re-assess its own progress and economic system in light of the startling ascendancy of the west. Most crucial of all, Berend touches upon the fact that Eastern European and Central European nations felt themselves not only backward relative to the west, but also vulnerable to any expansionist ambitions their western colleagues might contemplate. In a related vein, the elite of the aforementioned nations was troubled by the fact that it was being consigned (indeed, already was consigned) to the continental periphery (Berend, 1; for a further discussion of Western European ascendancy, please see also pages 5-8). The inclusion of such sentiments in the book may seem a small matter, but what Berend has done is remind readers of how so much of what passed for Central and European politics in the "long nineteenth century" was motivated feelings of fear and pangs of insecurity."
Abstract The paper states that after World War ll the two Allied powers that had won the war, the United States and the Soviets, were in disagreement as to how Europe should be reconfigured. The two sides distrusted one another and as a result, the Soviets took control of much of the Eastern half of Europe, while the Americans took possession of much of the Western half. The paper discusses the effects, results and outcome of this "cold war."
From the Paper "Warsaw Pact forces were also employed in the year 1968 as the bitter conclusion to the Prague Spring, a period of increasing liberalization and reform under Alexander Dub ek's government in Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovaks had been growing increasingly bold, even announcing on television that they disagreed with the Warsaw Pact, asserting their willingness to defend their country's sovereignty, should the Soviets attempt a similar invasion as the one that put a bloody end to the Hungarian Revolution twelve years prior. Unfortunately, the Czechoslovaks were not in fact able to defend their sovereignty; the Soviets, including Russian, Polish, Hungarian, and Bulgarian forces, invaded the country on August, 20, 1968. The invasion was justified by the Brezhnev Doctrine: "When forces that are hostile to socialism try to turn the development of some socialist country towards capitalism, it becomes not only a problem of the country concerned, but a common problem and concern of all socialist countries." But it was only the Soviet Union who would have the right define what "capitalism" and "socialism" were to mean - any version of socialism that varied in the least bit from the Soviet model, so the invasion's message rang clear, could expect to suffer the wrath of all aligned countries."
Tags: cold, war, eastern, block, soviet, eastern, europe
Abstract The breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 resulted in a number of newly independent nations, whose borders were frequently based on old geopolitical lines without regard for the ethnically based demographics involved. Without a central government in place in many of these regions of EasternEurope, basic public services have failed, economies have faltered or collapsed and wars have broken out between ethnic factions within these countries. This paper discusses the cultural, political and social divisiveness which has resulted from a paucity of central governmental services in some of these new nations in EasternEurope, and provides an analysis of the causes for the violent confrontations which have taken place in the recent past.
From the Paper "The ethnic populations which constitute a nation are up in arms against the weak states. These ethnic populations of Eastern Europe (and elsewhere in the world as well) have mobilized for war. Passions run high in light of the long-term nature of many of the ethnic disputes, and the belligerents are not now going to settle for anything short of their perceived ethnic and historical legacy of land and liberty. The problem in Eastern Europe is, however, that almost all of the people share this common legacy and who is to say whose claim is stronger. The next few years will prove to be bloody ones for the nations of Europe in search of a state unless the international community can provide better and more creative alternatives. "
