Eastern Europe in historical and post-communist perspectives: The application of core-peripheral analysis to the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary

This paper assesses developmental processes and patterns in post-communist Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic by utilizing the core-periphery theory. There are three aims: (1) to assess core-periphery theory in itself, its applicability to East-Central Europe and its appropriateness as a conceptual tool for elucidating the European situation, both historically and contemporaneously. (2) to apply the theory to the empirical analysis of sets of indicators for the states in order to provide (a) a better conceptualization of their geopolitical and socio-economic positions; (b) their level of development and historical experiences; (c) their 'traditional' external orientations; and (d) the presence or absence of prerequisites for 'core' development and the subsequent prognosis. (3) to argue that this reassessment of the nature, limitations and possibilities of these countries through core-periphery analysis has implications for the 'Western' community, specifically; (a) how these countries should be regarded; and (b) what policies should be formulated and implemented to achieve the desired goals.