The fundamental change of systems in Eastern Europe is a complex process. Until now, transformation theories have focused on formal institutions. Despite these apparent formal transformations, however, it is obvious that these formal rules do not completely describe life in these societies. A substantial part of political behavior follows informal rules. What are these informal rules, how do they emerge, and how strong are they?
My talk will deal with these questions by discussing the concept of informality, informal practices and informal institutions (such as corruption, clientelism and networks). Also the origins of informal rules will be analyzed. Another topic concerns the impacts of informal rules on the formal structures. These reflections should underscore my basic assumption that the transformation in Eastern Europe, its rise, its distortions and its dynamics can only be appropriately understood with the inclusion of informal structures. Transformations theories have to be reframed in this direction.
