Belarusian vs. Polish transformation. Two paths of institutional change

Abstract

The aim of the article is to compare the results of Belarus and Poland’s post- Communist transformation and to indicate the reasons for the two different paths followed. We hypothesize that both the historically shaped differences in mental models and strong ties with international protectors of these countries were the main elements that determined the paths of the transformations. We also try to highlight the main differences in the mentality and the contemporary institutional matrix of the two countries. We modify the matrix by adding a new element – an external protector – which is critical, especially regarding these two countries. We use the tools and methods of new institutional economics in our analyses.