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GLOBAL-LOCAL INTERPLAY IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION Pärnu, Estonia, October 1-4, 1998  Jan Henrik Nilsson
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to review the debate on the nature of the transformation-process and to discuss the process from a theoretical perspective.
The systemic transformation in the post-socialist states have been analysed from various perspectives. Simplisticly, these perspectives can be divided into two main viewpoints. A linear perspective sees transformation as transition, emphasizing the change from real-socialism to western capitalism. Transition is thus seen as a process of convergance, limited in time, following a western role-model. A more critical perspective emphasizes legacies and historical continuities. Here, the outcome of change is far less certain.
Following these perspectives, the transformation can be analysed with the help of two dichotomies: change vs. continuity and influences from the west vs. indigenous development. These dichotomies could also be used to analyse western transformation from fordist welfare states into something different (post-, neo-fordism etc), a transformation that has been going on since the 1970´s. This broadens the perspective and allows for comparison between development patterns.
The use of these dichonomies can have interesting empirical consequences. The perspectives of change are clearly visible in studies of macro-processes, in trade, investment, communications etc. Continuities and indigenous development, on the other hand, are more easily analysed on lower geographical levels, in regions, towns and in enterprises. Studies on lower geographical do also open up possibilities to discuss transformation from non-traditional perspectives, emphasizing for instance consumption and social relations as well as spatial outcomes of restructuring.
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