Observations on Economic Reform in the Successor States

Abstract

A prominent Western expert on economic affairs of the former Soviet Union provides an overview of the current state of economic reform in the area. The survey covers each of the 15 new states that emerged in 1991 after the disintegration of the old regime, emphasizing accomplishments and progress in 1992 and 1993 rather than problems that impede transition to market-oriented economies. Based on systematic perusal of the available local and Western data, as well as on other sources of information, the author identifies the basic similarities and differences in the reform process among the individual republics as well as their relevant geographic aggregations (e.g., Baltics, Western states, Transcaucasia, Central Asia). The overview embraces developments in late 1993. 23 references.