Out of the Red: Building Capitalism and Democracy inPostcommunist Europe

Authors

Edward Wagner

Abstract

Historically, most countries first de- velop a market economy, even under oppressive conditions, before develop- ing a democracy. However, the 1989 revolutions in Central and Eastern Eu- rope produced a counter case—the ini- tiation of simultaneous democratic and economic reforms. Many policy makers and academics outside the region have recommended that stability lies in a co- herent and rigid reform plan for all such states. The United States, for ex- ample, has suggested and still some- times emphasizes a “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” recommendation for economic reform, emphasizing stabili- zation, liberalization, and privatization. Economic reform, Washington argues, should be placed above the “whims” of politics and not fall victim to victories of the left or right.

Recommended Citation

Wagner, Edward (2003) "Out of the Red: Building Capitalism and Democracy inPostcommunist Europe," Naval War College Review: Vol. 56: No. 3, Article 12.
Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol56/iss3/12