Hajlasz, Zbigniew; (2003) Development and integration: Poland and Lower Silesia. A study of Lower Silesia's development as a region of Poland after 1945. Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This work is about the development of Lower Silesia and Poland as a case study for the eventual integration of Poland into the European Union. The focus and the evidence are concentrated on Lower Silesia, but many of the generalisations apply to Poland as a whole. It is assumed that there is no universal model of economic growth. Various factors, in different historical contexts, may decide, in different ways, about the economic development of an area. As regards methodology, this is an interdisciplinary approach, which includes geography, history, economics, political and legal system. It brings together the three levels: local, regional and national and how they work with each other. The thesis is firmly located within the field of transition economies. We demonstrate those features of the transition, which are not conducive to the economic development of Poland and her regions, and may even impede the process. At the heart of many of the problems is the underutilisation of the existing resources. The objective of economic development of Poland and its regions is the expansion of the economy and a continuous improvement of the living standards of Polish society. We discuss economic policies in particular of the years 1990-2000. A great deal has been started but not completed or has been done in a way which is not in the best interest of the population, or in some cases not even attempted. There has been progress in overcoming the legacy of the communist past but a great deal remains to be done. There is a tug-of-war in Polish society and politics between those who want the radical changes needed and those who want to retain the status quo inherited from the communist period. The role of the state and the political establishment is crucial. Who will win this tug-of-war is uncertain as is the success of this transformation.

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