China has produced the most remarkable economic growth in the past fifteen years. The question is whether she produced a model to be followed as well or not. If that is the case, much of the suffering following the East European shock therapies could have been avoided.

The author summarizes the findings of a longer research programme. He does not question the need for decentralising the public sector, though he criticises the "reform" policy that ignores the social and macro-economic environment.

Postmodernist authors preach tolerance, although often they appear arrogant themselves. It seems there is a relationship between philosophy and behaviour.

It is well known that multilateral organisations play a significant role in shaping the economic and social policies of former socialist countries. It is less known, however, that these organisations represent different views and also they change their own positions sometimes.