Theoretical Deliberations on Time and Space in Post-socialist Transformation

Abstract

ALTVATER E. (1998) Theoretical deliberations in time and space in post-socialist transformation, Reg. Studies 32, 591-605. This paper considers the spatio-temporal dimensions of post-socialist transformation. It discusses approaches based on modernization and dependency theory and shows that neither modernization (an 'OECD-profile') nor dependency on the global division of labour are likely outcomes of transformation. Instead hybrid forms of capitalism are evolving. They display different combinations of an extraction and production economy or of 'arbitrage capitalism' based on exploitation of differentials in time and space without taking care of material production processes. The trajectory of development depends highly on the management of competitiveness of the place, on regulation of competition in the global space and on the organization of the economy of time. ALTVATER E. (1998) Des reflexions theoriques sur le temps et l'espace de la transformation post-socialiste, Reg Studies 32, 591-605. Cet article cherche � a examiner la transformation post-socialiste dans un optique spatialo-temporel. On discute des facons fondees sur les theories de modernisation et de dependance et demontre que ni la modernisation (a savoir, un 'profil OCDE'), ni la dependance vis-a-vis de la division internationale du travail, sont des resultats eventuels de la transformation. Plutot des formes de capitalisme hybrides se developpent. Elles revelent des combinaisons differentes d'une economie de production et d'extraction, ou du 'capitalisme arbitragiste' base sur l'exploitation des ecarts dans le temps et l'espace, sans s'occuper des procede �s necessaires � a la production. Le sentier de croissance depend dans une large mesure de la gestion de la competitivite de l'espace, de la reglementation de la concurrence dans l'espace globale et de l'organisation de l'economie du temps. ALTVATER E. (1998) Theoretische Uberlegungen zu Raum und Zeit im Anschluss an die sozialistische Wende, Reg. Studies 32, 591-605. Der folgende Aufsatz beschaftigt sich mit raumlich-zeitlichen Dimensionen der Wandlungen, die im Anschluss an den Sozialismus stattfanden. Er bespricht die auf Modernisierungs- und Abhangigkeitstheorien gestutzten Ansatze und zeigt, dass wahrscheinlich weder Modernisierung (ein OECD Profil) noch Abhangigkeit von der globalen Arbeitsteilung Ergebnisse der Wende sind. Es entwickeln sich stattdessen Mischformen des Kapitalismus. Sie weisen verschiedenartige Kombinationen einer Rohstoffgewinnungs- und Produktionswirtschaft, bz.w. eines Arbitragekapitalismus auf, der auf der Ausbeutung der Differentialen von Raum und Zeit beruht, ohne sich um materielle Produktionsprozesse zu kummern. Der Weg, den die Entwicklung nimmt, hangt sehr von der Handhabung der Wettbewerbsfahigkeit des Ortes ab, sowie von der Konkurrenz im globalen Raum und der Organisation der Zeiteinteilung.European Transition, Eastern Europe, Time-SPACE, Regulation Theory, Arbitrage, Capitalism,

International tourism as bricolage: an analysis of central Europe on the brink of European Union membership

“…It also, however, reflects changes in their economic systems. In the early stages of transition, the uneven pace of reforms, and the divergence between economic systems, meant that the reregulated borders provided opportunities for border arbitrage (Altvater, 1998) -various forms of small-scale trading and shopping activities, which took advantage of differences in the price and availability of goods in neighbouring economic systems. Economic reforms, however, subsequently eroded these differences as the CE(E) economies converged around western European models, particularly in the latter years of transition prior to EU membership.…”

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Coping in the global financial system: the political economy of nonpayment in Russia

“…The critical attributes of neoliberal finance-driven globalisation -arbitrage, speculation and the attendant weakening of the real economy -have embraced most nations that strive to become part of the global capitalist system (Altvater, 1998;Bello et al, 2000). The resulting dichotomy between financial and productive economies exposes both mature and emerging markets to endemic financial instability, speculative investment booms and financial crises.…”

Czech Minerals Policy in Transformation: The Search for Legitimate Policy Approaches

“…This is important given that scholars of 'transition' in former Communist states emphasise the relationship between imported practices and institutions inherited from the Communist era in explaining their future development (see Baker & Jehlička, 1998;Elster et al, 1998;Smith & Swain, 1998). Altvater (1998) goes further, arguing that ideas of 'transition' that assume a binary shift towards 'modern' societies and market economies must be qualified by specific national, regional and sectoral experiences of 'transformation'. This paper takes Jänicke and Weidner's capacity-building concepts as a departure point for analysing the changing style of environmental policy in the Czech Republic (CR), focusing on minerals regulation, particularly policy for aggregates (crushed rock, sand and gravel).…”