Abstract
This chapter compares the models of transition (systemic change) and development in two key countries over the 1989–2009 period, the Czech Republic (formerly part of Czechoslovakia), representing Central-East Europe (CEE), and Serbia (formerly part of socialist Yugoslavia), representing South-East Europe (SEE).1 A comparative analysis of the Czech and Serbian experiences is of interest considering their similar points of departure in 1989, but divergent patterns of systemic change, dissimilar policy dynamics, and very different outcomes. The CEE and SEE regions represent two ‘polar’ models, with the Czech Republic and Serbia being often viewed as the most ‘extreme’ cases within each. The Czech Republic is frequently cited as one of the most successful cases of transition economies and one of the fastest reformers, while Serbia has delayed many transition-related economic reforms and for years has been considered a laggard. Comparing the two countries hence brings out the distinct features of the policies and outcomes in the two regions.
The authors would like to thank Saul Estrin, Janez Prasnikar and Susan Woodward for comments on an earlier version of the paper, and Vilem Semerak for research assistance.
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Svejnar, J., Uvalic, M. (2012). Why Development Patterns Differ: The Czech and Serbian Cases Compared. In: Aoki, M., Kuran, T., Roland, G. (eds) Institutions and Comparative Economic Development. International Economic Association Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137034014_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137034014_11
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