B. Steunenberg - Böcker

This text examines the role of democratic governments during and after the transition from plan to market. The role of governments during the transformation is important for eliminating the obstacles and putting into place the conditions for the emergence of a viable market economy. Moreover, governments need to play a key role in establishing a political-legal order that promotes political liberties and economic freedom. In contrast to other literature on the transformation process in formerly planned systems, this volume focuses also on the creation of autonomous and accountable governments as part of the liberal economic order. Finally, the volume analyzes the role of the legal state in creating a competitive market economy. "Government and Markets" is aimed at scholars, politicians and policy-makers interested in the establishment of a democratic, competitive order in formerly planned political economic systems.

The discipline of public administration and public policy currently show a renaissance of research in which explicit attention is paid to political institutions. This text offers both a theoretical overview and a set of applications using this approach. The theoretical overview brings together insights from economics, political science, sociology and the study of law to provide a framework to better understand political institutions and the ways in which institutions can be analyzed. In addition, this volume presents various applications of this perspective in the context of Western European politics and the making of public policy. The book should be of interest to students of public administrations and public policy, and related fields. It may also be of relevance to those who have an interest in political decision making in Europe.

Government and Markets is the first book to tackle systematically and in a multidisciplinary fashion the role of democratic governments during and after the transition from plan to market.