Linkages between Political and Economic Reforms in Post-Communist Countries

This paper analyses the interaction between the political and economic reforms undertaken in post-communist countries since the early 1990s. The empirical investigation uses panel data from 27 transition countries for the period 1991 to 2005. Democratisation has led to market economic reforms, while the extent of economic reforms has not had any discernable effect on political developments. Macroeconomic performance has had little or no effect on political and economic reforms, while wars and civil strife have held back both kinds of reforms. Initial conditions have played an important role regarding the outcome of the transition: large macroeconomic distortions and a low development level have produced less democratisation and fewer market economic reforms. The prospect of EU membership has reinforced democratisation but has slowed economic reforms in the applicant countries.transition, economic reform, political reform