DSPO 25A50 - The political economy of central and eastern Europe
Why are some European post-socialist states posterboys for economic success, while others struggle to escape the poverty trap? How does the socialist legacy impact socio-economic trajectories? What is the future of semi-peripheries in the globalized economy? The shock of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has directed the attention of the international community to the questions of the future and past of Central and Eastern Europe and rendered them relevant as never before.
The aim of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the diversity of capitalisms and institutional models found in Central and Eastern European states and equip them with the ability to utilize economic data to compare these models to their Western European counterparts. Classes will explore the variety of institutional and sociopolitical arrangements that emerged after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc, including (but not limited to) developments in social policy, skill formation systems, economic production models and political cleavages.
Jan BOGUSLAWSKI
Séminaire
English
Experience with Central or Eastern Europe studies is not required; an interest in the intersection of politics and economy is expected.
Autumn 2022-2023
Students are expected to complete the assigned readings ahead of each week's class and actively participate in class discussions.
Final research essay; 3000 words (40%)
In-class presentation & debate (30%)
Analytical memo (20%)
Class participation (10%)
Bohle, D. and Greskovits, B. (2012) Capitalist Diversity on Europe's Periphery. Cornell University Press.
Cerami, A. and Vanhuysse, P. (2009) Post-Communist Welfare Pathways: Theorizing Social Policy Transformations in Central and Eastern Europe. Palgrave Macmillan.
Ekiert, G. and Hanson, S.E. (eds) (2003) Capitalism and Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe: Assessing the Legacy of Communist Rule. Cambridge University Press.