Overview

A new volume in the award winning University of Pittsburgh Press Latin American Studies Series

Full Product Details

9780822948476

Table of Contents

Reviews

Mesa-Lago, globally acknowledged for his groundbreaking studies on pension systems and their reforms, one of the most experienced and most productive scholars in social policy, is still pursuing new ideas and original research. His book provides novel insights by taking a comparative look at two socialist socioeconomic models—an extraordinary, innovative, and fruitful approach. -- Ülrich Becker, director, Max-Planck-Institut für Sozialrecht und Sozialpolitik This book is a fascinating read for academics and policy makers interested in two different socialist pension systems, not in abstract but including many policy issues and the complications that inevitably arise as a design evolves over the years. -- Nicholas Barr, London School of Economics Carmelo Mesa-Lago is a world-renowned social security researcher. His new book is very worth reading. It is also the only such academic book I have seen so far. It is of great academic value and methodological innovation. -- Bigwen Zheng, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences This meticulously researched book provides invaluable insights into the comparative performance of different socialist models and their social security systems. Its findings are pertinent to both developing and developed nations looking to enhance their social welfare structures. Engaging, informative, and stimulating. An essential reference for anyone intrigued by diverse social welfare paradigms. -- Hinh T. Dinh, senior research fellow, Policy Center for the New South Undoubtedly, the most comprehensive comparative analysis of the reforms and their economic-social impacts in Cuba, China, and Vietnam. It spans several decades and encompasses an incredible multiplicity of statistical indicators, bibliographic references, and quotes; indispensable for all who want to understand the similarities and differences between these socialist economies. The sections on Cuba are remarkable. -- Pavel Vidal, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali Carmelo Mesa-Lago, the Grand Old Man of Cuban economy, has again produced superb, innovative research. This pioneering book compares the economic-social policies and performances of three socialist economies under communist-party guidance. One wishes that Raúl Castro had read this book twenty years ago when he expressed so much admiration for the Sino-Vietnamese economic model. -- Vegard Bye, affiliate researcher, Chr. Michelsen Institute Written in Mesa-Lago’s meticulous and engaging style, his new book is a reference for anyone interested in comparative public policy. I am not aware of any other work that, despite the challenges posed by data and asymmetric information, tackles the analysis of social security systems in such a sound manner. -- Henry Colina Hernández , coordinator, United Nations Development Program This book has been missing for a long time and is a must for anyone concerned with the development of social security. -- Barbara Darimont, IU International University of Applied Sciences Fascinating contribution for those interested in development, international relations, and country comparisons on socioeconomic topics, particularly social security. A provocative invitation to continue and improve this line of analysis. -- Enrique Dussel Peters, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mesa-Lago’s lifetime work on Cuba and Latin America places him in a privileged position to undertake this assessment. -- Armando Barrientos, professor emeritus, University of Manchester

Fascinating contribution for those interested in development, international relations, and country comparisons on socioeconomic topics, particularly social security. A provocative invitation to continue and improve this line of analysis.--Enrique Dussel Peters, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mesa-Lago, globally acknowledged for his groundbreaking studies on pension systems and their reforms, one of the most experienced and most productive scholars in social policy, is still pursuing new ideas and original research. His book provides novel insights by taking a comparative look at two socialist socioeconomic models--an extraordinary, innovative, and fruitful approach.--Ülrich Becker, director, Max-Planck-Institut für Sozialrecht und Sozialpolitik Undoubtedly, the most comprehensive comparative analysis of the reforms and their economic-social impacts in Cuba, China, and Vietnam. It spans several decades and encompasses an incredible multiplicity of statistical indicators, bibliographic references, and quotes; indispensable for all who want to understand the similarities and differences between these socialist economies. The sections on Cuba are remarkable.--Pavel Vidal, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali Carmelo Mesa-Lago is a world-renowned social security researcher. His new book is very worth reading. It is also the only such academic book I have seen so far. It is of great academic value and methodological innovation.--Bigwen Zheng, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Carmelo Mesa-Lago, the Grand Old Man of Cuban economy, has again produced superb, innovative research. This pioneering book compares the economic-social policies and performances of three socialist economies under communist-party guidance. One wishes that Raúl Castro had read this book twenty years ago when he expressed so much admiration for the Sino-Vietnamese economic model.--Vegard Bye, affiliate researcher, Chr. Michelsen Institute Mesa-Lago's lifetime work on Cuba and Latin America places him in a privileged position to undertake this assessment.--Armando Barrientos, professor emeritus, University of Manchester This book has been missing for a long time and is a must for anyone concerned with the development of social security.--Barbara Darimont, IU International University of Applied Sciences This book is a fascinating read for academics and policy makers interested in two different socialist pension systems, not in abstract but including many policy issues and the complications that inevitably arise as a design evolves over the years.--Nicholas Barr, London School of Economics This meticulously researched book provides invaluable insights into the comparative performance of different socialist models and their social security systems. Its findings are pertinent to both developing and developed nations looking to enhance their social welfare structures. Engaging, informative, and stimulating. An essential reference for anyone intrigued by diverse social welfare paradigms.--Hihn T. Dinh, senior research fellow, Policy Center for the New South Written in Mesa-Lago's meticulous and engaging style, his new book is a reference for anyone interested in comparative public policy. I am not aware of any other work that, despite the challenges posed by data and asymmetric information, tackles the analysis of social security systems in such a sound manner.--Henry Colina Hernández, coordinator, United Nations Development Program

Author Information

Carmelo Mesa-Lago is distinguished service professor emeritus of economics and Latin American studies at the University of Pittsburgh. He has published about ninety books in seven languages across thirty-nine countries and received many awards, including the International Labour Organization Decent Work Research Prize (shared with Nelson Mandela) for his work on social protection in the world.

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