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The Collapse of State Socialism
Does the abrupt collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe arise only from errors in implementing the policy of state socialism, leaving the concept itself still a potentially valid one? Bartlomiej Kaminski argues to the contrary: state socialism is a fundamentally defective idea that was well carried out, enabling it to exist until its accumulated shortcomings made its survival extremely difficult. How did the flawed state-socialist system endure for so long? Why is it failing now? In answering these questions, Kaminski, who is both an economist and a political analyst, proposes a general theory and then applies it to the case of Poland. Contending that the breakdown of state socialism...
Breathing Clean
Because evidence that shows that diesel fumes are more toxic than was previously thought, there has been increased interest in the use of natural gas for vehicles operating in cities. Transit buses, traditionally fueled by diesel, are one of the cheapest forms of mass transit. They are also significant polluters and typically operate in heavily congested urban areas, where significant air pollution problems exist. The report provides an overview of the issues that must be considered when evaluating natural gas an alternative to diesel for use in transit buses.
Forest Concession Policies and Revenue Systems
Forest concessions have been an important element of forestry and forest management in many countries, including developing countries. However, if sustainable management of tropical forests is to be achieved and deforestation brought under control, the allocation, management, and supervision of forest concessions will need to be strengthened. This study examines the failures of forest concessions over the last 20 years, and highlights the potential gains resulting from concentrating on improving procedures, introducing performance incentives, and monitoring key performance elements.
Improving Rural Mobility
Many inhabitants of rural areas in developing countries lack adequate and affordable access to transport infrastructure services, and this lack of transport opportunities constrains economic and social development. This report looks at the role of rural transport in reducing poverty and considers a range of issues affecting rural mobility including costs, stakeholders involved, population densities and competing services. It examines policies for promoting rural mobility including financial and regulatory considerations.
Structural Reforms in Southeastern Europe Since the Kosovo Conflict
This study examines the progress made by the countries of south-east Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Romania, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) towards implementing structural economic reforms in the three years since the end of the Kosovo conflict, as well as considering the challenges that lie ahead. It discusses four key areas of reform: strengthening public finances and fighting corruption; creating a liberal trade environment; encouraging foreign investment; and fostering the growth of private markets.
The Challenge of Rural Development in the EU Accession Countries
From the Abstract: This volume examines the reforms and policy changes necessary in the rural sectors or the ten countries that have started the accession process for eventual membership in the European Union (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia). The papers in this volume are selected from the presentations at the Third World Bank/FAO EU Accession Workshop held in Sofia, Bulgaria, on June 17-20, 2000, and are organized around four topics: (i) defining the concepts of rural development-options for EU accession candidate countries; (ii) rural development in the European Union; (iii) rural development in Central and Eastern Europe; and (iv) international experiences and the role of international organizations in supporting rural development in the EU accession candidate countries. This volume is intended for agricultural policy makers and government officials in the candidate countries, EU officials, World Bank and FAO staff, development scholars, and all others interested in the process of rural development in Central and Eastern Europe.
Utility Pricing and the Poor
'Utility Pricing and the Poor' evaluates the 1999 electricity tariff increase and the potential for improved water-sector cost recovery, with a particular focus on service accessibility and affordability for the poor. A two-stage approach is recommended. In the first stage, revenues should be increased by ensuring payment from households that have reliable service but are not paying their bills. After collection capacity is strengthened, the utility should implement a program of tariff adjustment, based on improved service and meter-based billing.
Poverty and Ethnicity
Roma are a unique minority in Europe, and with current estimates of between seven and nine million living throughout the continent, they represent the largest minority group. They are the main poverty risk group in many countries of central and eastern Europe, yet there is little information available on their living conditions. This paper analyses data from a new cross-country household survey, conducted by the Center for Comparative Research at Yale University, into the ethnic dimension of poverty in Roma communities in Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania. Findings describe the multidimensional nature of Roma poverty, both in terms of consumption and income, as well as other deprivation measures such as housing and health status, access to education and employment opportunities. Significant structural factors are identified which reflect past and present discrimination. Whilst specific policies need to be formulated at the country level, the report also seeks to highlight common policy options among national governments, Roma communities, non-governmental organisations and international agencies.
Treasury Reference Model
The World Bank and IMF are placing increasing emphasis on projects aimed at improving the management of public finances. An integrated treasury system forms the backbone for recording and processing all transactions. This book provides a treasury reference model (TRM) to give guidelines for the design of automated treasury systems for governments. It provides detailed flow charts of the functional processes associated with Treasury systems. This book also includes a diagnostic questionnaire that could be used to evaluate country specific requirements as well as a set of sample functional specifications that could be used for procurement and/or development of the application software that would be required to implement these systems.
