Comparing Socialist Approaches

Economics and Social Security in Cuba, China, and Vietnam

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

Carmelo Mesa-Lago looks at the two main socialist models across these three countries to compare central planning and socialist markets. Under the Cuban central plan, large state enterprises have been unable to generate economic growth, even with mild structural market reforms and a small controlled private sector. In the Sino-Vietnamese model of a socialist marketplace, dynamic private enterprises of all sizes, together with large state enterprises, operate under a decentralized plan with state regulation and control. This has allowed for accelerated growth and social improvement. The two models are contrasted on five major economic policies: ownership of the means of production, agrarian reform, industrialization processes, employment, and currency and exchange rate unification. Mesa-Lago argues that the socialist market model has a better performance than the central plan across economic and social indicators. He then recommends policies to improve social protection in the three countries.

about the author

Carmelo Mesa-Lago

Carmelo Mesa-Lago is distinguished service professor emeritus of economics and Latin American studies at the University of Pittsburgh. He has published about 90 books in seven languages in 39 countries and received many awards, including the ILO International Prize on Decent Work (shared with Nelson Mandela) for his work on social protection in the world.

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Carmelo Mesa-Lago