국가 군집(群集)에 기초한 지역연구 방법론

To examine the economic performance of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union based on the clusters of nations, this study investigates the following: First, this study classifies 25 nations in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union into two or three clusters by each initial condition. Second, this study investigates the relationship between initial conditions and economic performance. Third, this study also analyzes the connection between initial conditions and economic liberalization. Based on the above analysis this study reaches the following conclusions: First, there exists a positive relationship between economic liberalization index and economic performance. Second, economic performance is superior as the ratio of agriculture to GDP is lower at the initial stage. Third, economic performance is better as economic connections with the former socialistic countries are weaker. Fourth, economic performance is better as government has a stronger will to reform. Fifth, economic performance is superior as a country does not experience war. Sixth, economic performance is better as a country has more experiences in the market economy. Seventh, economic performance is superior as a country enjoys more political freedom.