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Socialism, Capitalism, Transformation reveals the mind of an academic who was not afraid to turn politician when the opportunity arose. In it, Leszek Balcerowicz, leader of the largest opposition party in Poland, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, summarizes some twenty years of research into the connections between economic and political institutions and human behaviour, institutional change, and the way such change occurs. Part I provides a comparative analysis of capitalist and socialist regimes, examining in particular the compatibility of different economic and political institutions and policies. In Part II Balcerowicz discusses institutional change, focusing on the post-communist transition in Central and Eastern Europe since the late 1980s. He deals with political and economic developments and looks at the interplay between them. Here he blends academic knowledge with the insight gained while holding a position of major government responsibility during Poland's period of 'extraordinary politics'. Part III contains writings on Poland's own economic transformation and related political developments. The final chapter consists of personal recollection of Poland's reforms - an insider's view of a pivotal phase in that country's history.

Privatization --- Socialism --- Capitalism --- Europe, Eastern --- Poland --- Economic conditions --- Economic policy --- Democratization, East-central Europe, Political economy, Postcommunism, Socialism, Transition.