Paper Tigers and Minotaurs: The Politics of Venezuela's Economic Reforms

Book

Paper Tigers and Minotaurs: The Politics of Venezuela's Economic Reforms

Weakened public institutions, military reform, and public opinion in the face of rapid change have opened the door for corruption, inequitable distribution of burdens, and political instability in South America. Countries in the region are facing painful and sometimes dangerous reform.

By Moisés Naím

Published on Jan 1, 1993

Source: Washington

Based on Moisés Naím's experiences as Minister of Industry in rapidly changing Venezuela and as Executive Director at the World Bank, this book raises questions and explores problems crucial to political and economic reform. Dr. Naím grapples with entrenched interests bent on derailing reform, the corrosive effects of corruption, the inequitable distribution of burdens, political instability brought on by weakened public institutions, military reform, and public opinion in the face of rapid change. After the revolutionary political and economic changes of the 1980s and early 1990s, the countries of South America—and many other countries all over the world—are facing painful and sometimes dangerous reform. Dr. Naím's book tackles the subject of managing that reform.

Advance Praise

“This book is a timely and relevant contribution for rethinking both the content and the process of future reform attempts.”
—Miriam Kornblith, Universidad Central de Venezuela

“The story is well-told and the lessons valuable for those interested in under-standing, as well as making, economic policy."
—Robert Grosse, University of Miami

About the Author

Moisés Naím

Distinguished Fellow

Moisés Naím is a distinguished fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a best-selling author, and an internationally syndicated columnist.

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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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