The end of communism and accession to the European Union have had a huge impact on Poland. This book provides an overall assessment of the post-1989 transformation in Poland, covering economic transformation; the heritage of the past and national identity; and regional and political developments before and after EU accession.

Part 1: Economic Transformation and Recent Economic Developments 1. George Blazyca on Shock Therapy and the Third Way 2. Poland’s Economic Development Level in Comparative Perspective, 1950-2005 3. Foreign Direct Investment and the Competitiveness of Polish Manufacturing 4. The Macroeconomic Effects of Fiscal and Monetary Policy in Poland, 1993-2005 Part 2: EU Accession and Polish Politics 5. Party Politics in Poland after the 2005 Elections 6. Polish Experiences with European Policy Coordination, 1991-2006 Part 3: History And National Identity 7. Which Way to Poland? Re-Emerging from Romantic Unity 8. European Civilisation or European Civilisations: The EU as a ‘Christian Club’?: Public Opinion in Poland, 2005 9. Patriotic Consumption. The Origins and Development of Polish Vegetarianism 10. Regional Identity and Citizenship in Silesia Part 4: Issues in Regional and Local Development 11. Transport and Economic Development: Comparisons and Contrasts in Theory, Policy and Practice Between Poland and the UK 12. EU Funds in the Silesia Region in the First Years after Accession (2004-2006) 13. The Role of Placemarketing in Multifunctional Rural Development 14. Business Angels in Scotland and Poland: The Development of an Informal Venture Capital Market