Decentralization and Transition in the Visegrad: Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia (Studies in Economic Transition)

This new series has been established in response to a growing demand for a greater understanding of the transformation of economic systems. It brings together theoretical and empirical studies on economic transition and economic development. The post-communist transition from planned to market economies is one of the main areas of applied theory because in this field the most dramatic examples of change and economic dynamics can be found. The series aims to contribute to the understanding of specific major economic changes as well as to advance the theory of economic development. The implications of economic policy will be a major point of focus. By Highlighting Sub-national Government Developments As An Essential Component Of The Transition Process In Post-communist Societies, The Book Aims To Assess The Process Of Democratization In The Visegrads: The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, And Slovakia At This Level. Focusing On The Reform Efforts Introduced Since 1990 At Local And Regional Level, The Book Analyses The Effectiveness Of These Emerging Government Structures In Terms Of Competencies And Resources, And Places These Developments In The Context Of Democratic Values, Civil Society, And Economic Planning.--book Jacket. 1. The Importance Of Local And Regional Reform / Emil Kirchner And Thomas Christiansen -- 2. Regionalization In Western Europe / Thomas Christiansen -- 3. Decentralized Government And Subsidiarity / Nicholas Bernard -- 4. Regional And Local Development In Poland / Jacek Zaucha -- 5. Territorial Government In The Czech Republic / Michael Illner -- 6. Slovakia: Changes In Public Administration / Lubomir Faltan And Vladimir Krivy -- 7. Hungarian Local Government / Jozsef Hegedus -- 8. Euroregions On The Polish-german Border / Andrzej Kowalczyk -- 9. Poland And The Eu: Trade-related Problems / Anna Zielinska-glebocka -- 10. European Security And Debt Finance In Poland / James Sperling -- 11. The Role Of The Eu In Local And Regional Government / Emil Kirchner. Edited By Emil J. Kirchner. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Pt. I. Introduction -- Pt. Ii. Property Rights In Philosophy And Economics. 1. Theories Of Property In Classical Philosophy. 2. The Neoclassical Definition Of Property. 3. The Monetary Theory Of Private Property. 4. The Genesis And Changes Of Property As Portrayed By Old Institutionalists. 5. Property As An Institution: Summary And Prospect -- Pt. Iii. Property Rights In Planned Economies. 6. Legal Types Of Property And Ownership Guarantee. 7. Ownership Of The Means Of Production. 8. Employment Guarantee And Social Security. 9. Property Erosion And The Initial Situation Before Transformation -- Pt. Iv. Property Rights In Transition. 10. The Course Of Transformation. 11. The Question Of Property. 12. The Legal Solution. Hella Engerer. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 293-312) And Index. Front Matter....Pages i-xviii The Importance of Local and Regional Reform....Pages 1-18 Regionalization in Western Europe....Pages 19-33 Decentralized Government and Subsidiarity....Pages 34-52 Regional and Local Development in Poland....Pages 53-79 Territorial Government in the Czech Republic....Pages 80-101 Slovakia: Changes in Public Administration....Pages 102-131 Hungarian Local Government....Pages 132-158 Euroregions on the Polish—German Border....Pages 159-172 Poland and the EU: Trade-related Problems....Pages 173-190 European Security and Debt Finance in Poland....Pages 191-207 The Role of the EU in Local and Regional Government....Pages 208-222 Back Matter....Pages 223-237 This text analyzes the emergence, evolution and theory of property rights and establishes the limits for privatization of state owned enterprises in the transitional economies of eastern Europe. It counters the assumption that reduction of the state sector helps to create the basis for a private property system, showing that privatization actually presupposes a stable framework including property order. The book makes use of an outstanding methodological approach, reaching well beyond the limits of pure economic observation. This book contributes to the understanding of the emerging economic order of central and eastern Europe "Using Germany as a focal point, this book asks whether foreign banks can solve the problems involved in creating a well-functioning market economy. Drawing on extensive interviews, as well as a range of English and German sources, it argues that there are no quickfix solutions to transition to a market economy. The German case is also accompanied by a broader review of the situation in Central and Eastern Europe. The findings contain lessons for academics, policy-makers and bankers in all countries undergoing financial development and deepening."--Jacket The book assesses the democratization and marketization in the Visegrad states. It analyses the effectiveness of these emerging government structures at a regional and local level in terms of competencies and resources, makes comparisons with West European experiences at this level, and examines the role of external factors, especially the EU and international financial organisations, in the development of sub-national authorities in these countries. At first, this project was intended to be a study on transition and privatization in Romania, a country viewed with suspicion even today, due to its past, and considered a "taboo-zone", that seems to forbid even the slightest interest.