Fall 2008
Political Economy of Transition in Central and Eastern Europe
European Studies 700.715
Fall 2008
Tuesday 2:15pm – 4:15pm
Room R206
Professor Mitchell A. Orenstein
Office Location: Rome 523
Phone: 202-663-5798 (o)
Email: morenstein@jhu.edu
Office Hours: M and T 11am-1pm and by appointment
Courses
Course Overview:
Many countries in Central and Eastern Europe have had remarkable success with democratization and market economic reform, in contrast to other regions of the world. What factors have enabled well-functioning democracy and vibrant economic growth in Central and Eastern Europe at the start of the 21st century? Are there lessons for other world regions? This course analyzes the transitions of postcommunist Central and East European countries and their trajectories in an expanded European Union. The course is divided into three sections covering democratization and political transition, the political economy of market reform, and European accession and beyond. Students acquire a broad understanding of transition issues through lectures, readings, and class discussions while focusing on selected topics and countries through independent research and writing.