From the Soviet Bloc to the European Union
The Economic and Social Transformation of Central and Eastern Europe since 1973

An authoritative study that covers the social and economic history of Central and Eastern Europe since 1973.

Ivan T. Berend (Author)

9780521729505, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 12 February 2009

316 pages, 24 tables
24.8 x 17.4 x 1.5 cm, 0.63 kg

'… great book, especially in terms of the useful empirical data it provides on all manner of things, from comparative economic growth rates to demographic trends and statistics on homelessness.' Matthew Stibbe, H-Net Reviews

The Soviet Union's dramatic collapse in 1989 was a pivotal moment in the complex history of Central and Eastern Europe, and Ivan Berend here offers a magisterial new account of the dramatic transformation that culminated in ten former Soviet Bloc countries joining the European Union. Taking the OPEC oil crisis of 1973 as his starting point, he charts the gradual unravelling of state socialism in Central and Eastern Europe, its ultimate collapse in the revolutions of 1989, and the economic restructuring and lasting changes in income, employment, welfare, education and social structure which followed. He pays particular attention to the crucial role of the European Union as well as the social and economic hurdles that continue to face former Eastern-bloc nations as they try to catch up with their Western neighbours. This will be essential reading for scholars and students of European and economic history, European politics and economics.

Introduction
1. The economic factors of the collapse of state socialism and the new international environment, 1973–1991
2. Transformation and policy mistakes: dramatic economic decline
3. Towards better times: the European Union and its policy of eastwards enlargement
4. Recuperation and growth: the role of foreign direct investment
5. Economic restructuring: transforming main sectors, economic recovery, weaknesses and growth
6. Transformation and social shock
7. Lasting social changes in income, employment, welfare institutions, educational and settlement structure
Epilogue: the future of catching-up in the European 'melting pot'.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ], Politics & government [JP], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], European history [HBJD]