Very few studies have ventured to explore the shift in economic ideas that were such a critical factor in shaping and understanding the East European transition process. Paul Dragos Aligica and Anthony J. Evans have seized upon the potential that this crucial case has to illuminate the larger phenomenon of diffusion and adoption of economic ideas. Two different but related research agendas are developed: the study of the spread of 'neoliberalism' as seen from the perspective of Eastern European post-communist evolutions and the study of Eastern European transition as seen from an ideas-centered perspective.Combining a distinctive synthesis of the existing data about the spread of neoliberal economic ideas in Central and Eastern Europe with an analysis of the processes at work, the authors challenge a series of misunderstandings and myths about the spread of neoliberal economic ideas. The disputed topics include: the myth of an Eastern European rush to embrace the theories and ideas that may be considered the mark of 'market fundamentalism'; the notion that a harsh 'neoliberal dogmatism' was somehow imposed on the region from outside; the idea that the standardization and regimentation of economic thinking was a result of the spread of the Western way of doing economics; and the belief that the Eastern Europeans passively embraced this uniformity and standardization due to pressure from the Westerners. This unusual synthesis will appeal to scholars in economics, political science, communist/post-communist studies and new institutionalism, as well as policymakers.

First published as 'Markets for Managers', this book has proved to be a popular way for non-economists to understand and apply the key tools of economics in a business setting. Professor Anthony J. Evans, one of Europe's leading Managerial Economics instructors, brings the content that works in his classrooms to an even wider audience. Written in an engaging and informal way, whether you are a busy executive or simply an interested amateur this is your go-to guide. In this revised and updated edition, you will be led through the building blocks of economic theory and how they relate to the real world. You will see how thinking like an economist can improve your decision making, and how markets can be used to generate value within organizations and in society at large. The book incorporates the main principles of both micro and macroeconomics and takes a broad and diverse approach. In it you will encounter the most interesting economists and understand their contributions in a historical context. The practical format is perfect for professionals and students who want to gain an applied perspective on today's most pressing issues.