Abstract
This volume is a welcome attempt to combine extremely disparate regional literature on structural adjustment programs. The empirical research for the book was conducted in such a way as to generate truly economic hypotheses and conclusions. Bates and Krueger commissioned eight teams of researchers; each composed of at least one political scientist and an economist. The teams' initial agenda was to unravel the puzzle of why good economics means bad politics in relation to these structural adjustment programs. To meet that end, the teams were asked to investigate three phases surrounding the adjustment programs: Informed by current theories of interest groups, rent extraction, and bureaucracies, these analysts explored the political and economic background of the period prior to the reform process itself, and the political and economic reactions to adjustment. Included in the volume are the standard cases of stabilization and adjustment (Ghana, Zambia, Brazil), yet case selection is varied, resulting in fascinating studies of Turkey, Ecuador, and Egypt. In considering these less studied countries, the volume adds a wealth of monographic data to its theoretical agenda.
Document Type
Book Review
Publication Date
1993
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 1993 Comparative Politics. This book review first appeared in APSA-CP Newletter 4:1 (1993), 10,17.
Please note that downloads of the book review are for private/personal use only.
Recommended Citation
Joireman, Sandra F. and Winston Wells. "Robert H. Bates and Anne O. Kruger (Eds.). Political and Economic Interactions in Economic Policy Reform." Review of Political and Economic Interactions in Economic Policy Reform, by Robert H. Bates and Anne O. Krueger. APSA-CP Newsletter 4, no. 1 (1993): 10,17.