Plan for Today Democratization and Economic Reform 1. Conclude authoritarian advantage debate. 2....
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Transcript of Plan for Today Democratization and Economic Reform 1. Conclude authoritarian advantage debate. 2....
Plan for TodayDemocratization and Economic Reform1. Conclude authoritarian advantage debate.2. Become familiar with typical “package” of
reforms.3. Learn and assess between sides of debate
on shock therapy vs. gradual economic reform.
Pro-Democracy Argument
1. Authoritarian advantage depends on enlightened dictator.
Why would dictator invest in country instead of squandering resources on self?
Pro-Democracy Argument
3. Lack of rule of law in authoritarian regimes investors fear to commit.
Danger of losing property rights at any time.
Pro-Democracy Argument
5. Democratic governments are risk-averse. (Przeworski & Limongi)
Tend not to invest in grandiose schemes.
The Historical Record
1. “Authoritarian advantage” based on limited time period and regions. (Maravall)
1960s-70s Latin America 1980s-90s East Asian “tigers”
The Historical Record
2. No difference between dictatorships & democracies in growth rates 1950-1990. (Przeworski & Limongi)
Typical Reform Package Step 1: Macroeconomic stabilization
1. Price liberalization.
2. Cut government spending.
3. Tighten up money supply (quit printing money).
4. Convertible national currency.
Typical Reform Package Step 2: Longer-term Liberalization
1. Reduce trade barriers.
2. Remove foreign investment barriers.
3. Privatization.
4. Laws to protect property rights.
5. Fight corruption.
6. Reform social safety net.
Radical, Rapid, Neoliberal Reform
a.k.a. “Shock Therapy” or “Big Bang.” Defenders: Haggard & Kaufman, Aslund,
Sachs. Key case: Poland 1989.
Arguments for Shock Therapy
1. Problems of economy so acute that radical action is required.
• Inflation, debt, balance-of-payments crisis.
Arguments for Shock Therapy
3. Rapid reforms more likely to succeed – “honeymoon period” of new regime.
Historical Evidence
Argue those who conducted radical reforms have more successful economies.Poland (radical) vs. Romania (gradual).
Arguments for Gradual Reform
1. We still know very little about how free markets interact with democracy.
Arguments for Gradual Reform
3. The state must play a role in facilitating market economy.
Enforcement of contracts. Providing collective goods. Equitable distribution of wealth.
Historical Evidence
“Alternative capitalisms” have succeeded quite well:East AsiaEuropean social democracies
Some neoliberal failures:ArgentinaMexicoRussia