Disrupted Landscapes: State, Peasants and the Politics of Land in Postsocialist Romania

The fall of the Soviet Union had a transformative effect on Eastern Europe's national political economies, leading to new ownership and development regimes and significant changes in the natural world. This volume focuses on postsocialist Romania, revealing how neoliberalism was introduced through social and political mechanisms, such as bureaucrats abetting illegal deforestation and peasants opposing government agricultural policies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2021
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The collapse of the Soviet Union was a momentous occurrence that had a profound impact on the national political economies of Eastern Europe. It not only brought about new regimes of ownership and development but also led to significant alterations in the natural environment. This comprehensive volume, which has been meticulously researched, centers its attention on the emblematic case of postsocialist Romania. During the transition from collectivization to privatization, the nation's forests, farmlands, and rivers underwent a drastic transformation. It sheds light on the social and political mechanisms through which neoliberalism was introduced into the Romanian landscape, encompassing instances such as bureaucrats aiding in illegal deforestation and peasants resisting government agricultural policies.

The fall of the Soviet Union marked a significant turning point in the political and economic landscape of Eastern Europe. It brought about a wave of change that reshaped the countries and their economies. One of the most notable effects of this transformation was the collapse of the communist system, which had been in place for decades.

The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the emergence of new political regimes in Eastern Europe. In many cases, these regimes were led by former communist officials who had been marginalized or even persecuted during the Soviet era. These leaders sought to establish new political and economic systems that were based on market principles and private ownership.

The transition from a communist to a market-based economy was not an easy one. Many Eastern European countries faced economic instability, inflation, and unemployment. However, over time, these countries began to experience economic growth and development. This was largely due to the adoption of free-market policies and the opening up of their economies to foreign investment.

One of the most significant changes that occurred during the transition was the privatization of state-owned enterprises. This process involved selling off government-owned companies to private investors, who were often foreign companies. This led to the creation of a new class of entrepreneurs and businesspeople in Eastern Europe, who were able to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the market economy.

Another important change that occurred during the transition was the expansion of democracy and human rights in Eastern Europe. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the end of authoritarianism and the rise of democratic governments in many countries. This led to the expansion of civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to vote.

The transition also led to significant changes in the natural environment of Eastern Europe. The collapse of the communist system led to the deregulation of environmental policies, which allowed for the exploitation of natural resources for economic gain. This led to the destruction of forests, the pollution of rivers, and the degradation of soil.

However, there were also positive effects of the transition. For example, the expansion of democracy and human rights led to the protection of environmental resources and the establishment of environmental regulations. This has helped to improve the quality of the air and water in many Eastern European countries and has contributed to the conservation of biodiversity.

In conclusion, the fall of the Soviet Union was a transformative event that had a profound impact on the national political economies of Eastern Europe. It led to the emergence of new political regimes, the privatization of state-owned enterprises, the expansion of democracy and human rights, and significant changes in the natural environment. While the transition was not without its challenges, it has ultimately led to economic growth, development, and improved human well-being in Eastern Europe.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800730113