Part 1: Problems with the definition of socialism in todays world On the ‘socialist market economy’ ‘Socialist calculation debate’ and reform discussions On the reformability of the Soviet-type economic systems Towards an analysis of ownership Political and economic regimes Part 2: Understanding post-communist transitions Economic transition in Central/ East Europe Various roads to a private market economy Macropolicies in transition to a market economy Common fallacies in the debate on economic transition Part 3: Polish economic reform 1981-88 Political economy of economic reform in Poland 1989-92 Transition to a market economy - Poland 1989-93 Conclusion