Comparative Socialist Systems: Essays on Politics and Economics

by Carmelo Mesa-Lago (Editor), Carl Beck (Editor)

Overview

This volume advances the methodology to compare socialist systems throughout the world by combining both theoretical approaches and empirical comparisons in a multidisciplinary and systematic fashion. Of the sixteen essays, all but two include the Soviet Union, all refer to Eastern Europe, six include China, and five include Cuba. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780822982517
Publisher:	University of Pittsburgh Press
Publication date:	06/15/1974
Series:	Pitt Latin American Series , #349
Edition description:	1
Pages:	466
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Carmelo Mesa-Lago is professor emeritus of economics at the University of Pittsburgh.

Editorial Reviews

Its purpose is 'to advance the methodology to compare socialist systems,' . . . a multidisciplinary effort. . . . Socialism is not viewed as an end, as a movement that (in some places) represents an attempt to revolutionize the totality of social and economic existence; rather, it is seen as an alternative means to an end-industrialization.  Socialist economies are believed to be necessarily inefficient and repressive, and most of the observers represented in this volume feel that these economies must ultimately give way to more market-oriented, capitalist-propelled devices to reach the goal of industrialization.”
—Journal of Economic Issues


“The editors have merged work from two disciplines, economics and political science; in a summary conclusion, a sociologist suggests possible extensions in the comparison of socialist systems for the future. . . . contributes generously to the field.”
—Slavic Review

From the Publisher