Reinventing Poland: Economic and Political Transformation and Evolving National Identity (Basees Routledge Series on Russian and East European Studies)

The end of communism and accession to the European Union have had a huge impact on Poland. This book provides an overall assessment of the post-1989 transformation in Poland. It focuses in particular on four key themes: economic transformation and its outcomes; the heritage of the past and national identity; regional development in Poland including the implications of EU accession for regional development; and political developments both before and after EU accession. In addition the book shows how changes in all these areas are related, and emphasises the overall common themes. The book is in memory of George Blazyca, of the University of Paisley, whose work on the political economy of transition in Poland is highly regarded, and who did a great deal to support the work of Polish academic colleagues and to promote the work of young scholars. Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 8 Copyright......Page 9 Dedication......Page 10 Contents......Page 12 Figures......Page 14 Tables......Page 17 Notes on contributors......Page 20 Preface......Page 24 Abbreviations......Page 25 Introduction......Page 28 Part I: Economic transformation and recent economic developments......Page 35 1 George Blazyca on shock therapy and the third way......Page 37 2 Poland’s economic development level in comparative perspective, 1950–2005......Page 45 3 Foreign direct investment and the competitiveness of Polish manufacturing......Page 57 4 The macroeconomic effects of fiscal and monetary policy in Poland, 1993–2005......Page 69 Part II: EU accession and Polish politics......Page 90 5 Party politics in Poland after the 2005 elections......Page 92 6 Polish experiences with European policy coordination 1991–2006......Page 110 Part III: History and national identity......Page 125 7 Which way to Poland?: Re-emerging from Romantic unity......Page 127 8 European civilisation or European civilisations: the EU as a ‘Christian club’?: Public opinion in Poland 2005......Page 144 9 Patriotic consumption: The origins and development of Polish vegetarianism......Page 165 10 Regional identity and citizenship in Silesia......Page 179 Part IV: Issues in regional and local development......Page 191 11 Transport and economic development: Comparisons and contrasts in theory, policy and practice between Poland and the UK......Page 193 12 EU funds in the Silesia region in the first years after accession (2004–06)......Page 215 13 The role of place marketing in multifunctional rural development......Page 237 14 Business angels in Scotland and Poland: The development of an informal venture capital market......Page 250 Index......Page 265 The end of communism and accession to the European Union have had a huge impact on Poland. This book provides an overall assessment of the post-1989 transformation in Poland, covering economic transformation, the heritage of the past and national identity, and regional and political developments before and after EU accession. Economic Transformation And Recent Economic Developments -- Eu Accession And Polish Politics -- History And National Identity -- Issues In Regional And Local Development. Edited By Martin Myant And Terry Cox. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.