Commentary
Before the next wave of EU enlargement takes place, the union needs to grapple with thorny questions of how power is distributed among its members.
Emil Sondaj Hansen, Ditte Brasso Sørensen
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Lessons Not Learned: Problems with Western Aid for Law Reform in Postcommunist Countries
The fall of the Berlin wall and the subsequent breakup of the Soviet Union presented an unparalleled opportunity for fundamental political and economic change in more than two dozen countries. As postcommunist countries sought to attain the economic development of their Western neighbors, it became clear that the existing framework of laws and institutions would not support the desired growth.
By Wade Channell
Published on Apr 26, 2005
Summary
The fall of the Berlin wall in 1989 and the subsequent breakup of the Soviet Union presented an unparalleled opportunity for fundamental political and economic change in more than two dozen countries. As postcommunist countries sought to attain the economic development of their Western neighbors, it became clear that the existing framework of laws and institutions would not support the desired growth. Reformers and development experts soon identified a panoply of gaps and shortcomings in financial resources, human resources, and organizational capacity, all of which appeared ripe for outside assistance.
About the Author
Wade Channell is an independent consultant specializing in legal reform and economic development issues in developing and transition countries. Since graduating from Southern Methodist University Law School in 1985, he has lived in Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the United States, and has worked in more than thirty-five countries. He is currently based in Brussels.
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About the Author
Wade Channell
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
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