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- Convenors:
-
Margherita Gobbat
(Center for Social Sciences, Georgia. University of Bremen, Germany)
Abel Polese (Dublin City University)
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- Discussant:
-
Donnacha Ó Beacháin
(Dublin City University)
- Format:
- Panel
- Theme:
- Sociology & Social Issues
- Location:
- 704 (Floor 7)
- Sessions:
- Sunday 9 June, -
Time zone: Asia/Almaty
Abstract:
Informality is thriving. A simple academic search of the word generates over 100,000 results across several disciplines, including informal economy (Hart 1973), informal housing (Turner 1968), informal land management (Leaf 1992), and informal planning (Roy 2005 cited in Boanada-Fuchs and Fuchs 2018, 414). Yet, literature remains scattered. This panel foots on a recent taxonomy of informality that, under the definition of “the art of bypassing the state” (Polese 2023) sees informality coming in four main flavours (Polese 2018) encompassing informal governnace and politics; shadow economy and informal labour; corruption and informal payments and everyday policymaking (this latter is inspired by Scott’s definition of infrapolitics). It explores a number of informal practices that have been identified by our panellists and that span from attempts to formalise informal financial mechanisms (Dufy 2024) to the everyday governance of de facto states (Le Pavic 2024). Furthermore, the panel explores the rules of engagement of domestic and international Kazakh companies (Kyzyrbek 2024) and Kazak consumers' views and purchasing behaviours, with an emphasis on unofficial economic activities (Aguzzi 2024). Finally, the panel explores the hidden rules of the wine industry in Georgia. Far from romanticising or orientalising these practices as unique and only belonging to the region, we seek to identify parallels and comparisons between power and reciprocity mechanisms that our authors have explored and the way these mechanisms contribute to the everyday governance not only of Eurasian states but, although in a different form, of possibly every government regardless of their cultural and political specificities.
Accepted papers:
Session 1 Sunday 9 June, 2024, -Abstract:
Uzbekistan, positioned as a landlocked Central Asian nation, contends with formidable trade competitiveness challenges influenced by its geographical location and economic history. Chief among these hurdles is the considerable cost and time associated with cross-border trade, exacerbated by its double-landlocked status, which typically results in prolonged transit times and heightened transportation expenses, diminishing its competitiveness in global markets. Furthermore, Uzbekistan's trade portfolio, historically reliant on exports of cotton, gold, and natural gas, renders its economy susceptible to fluctuations in prices and global market dynamics. To fortify its trade competitiveness, Uzbekistan must diversify into value-added sectors and enhance trade logistics infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires the implementation of strategic policy measures and fostering international cooperation to unlock Uzbekistan's full potential in global trade.
In this study, we focus on analyzing trade volume between Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries, employing a comprehensive evaluation index system for trade facilitation. Utilizing the gravity model, we assess the trade facilitation levels across Central Asian nations and investigate their impact, alongside four primary indicators, on total trade volume. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of trade facilitation in shaping bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and its Central Asian counterparts, revealing a significant positive correlation between the trade facilitation levels of partner countries and trade volume.
This research contributes to the scholarly literature by shedding light on the specific trade challenges faced by landlocked Central Asian nations like Uzbekistan and providing empirical evidence of the importance of trade facilitation in driving bilateral trade within the region. By contextualizing our findings within the broader literature on trade competitiveness and regional economic integration, we highlight the significance of addressing trade facilitation barriers in advancing economic development and promoting regional cooperation in Central Asia.
Abstract:
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of consumer purchasing attitudes and habits in Kazakhstan, with a specific focus on informal economic practices. The study aims to provide a better understanding of consumer behaviours within the informal economy and contribute to the formulation of policy recommendations aimed at reducing the adverse impact of informal practices in the country.
The research method employed in this study involved the distribution of a survey to a representative sample of 200 participants across the country’s 17 regions and 3 cities of republican significance. The survey covered a wide range of topics, including demographics, social perceptions, trust and beliefs, consumption habits, and opinions. The data collected from the survey were analysed to identify patterns and trends in consumer behaviour, particularly in relation to informal economic practices.
The central findings of the research revealed significant insights into the prevalence of informal economic activities in Kazakhstan, including the extent to which consumers engage with informal businesses and the factors influencing their purchasing decisions. The study also shed light on the level of trust in public institutions, the frequency of requesting receipts for purchases, and the perceptions of sanctions for engaging in non-compliant behaviour.
The relevance of these findings to the larger body of scholarly literature lies in their contribution to the understanding of informal economic practices in transitional economies, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. By providing empirical evidence of consumer behaviours and attitudes in the context of informal economic activities, this research adds valuable insights to the existing literature on informal economies and their implications for economic development and governance.
Abstract:
In the era of globalization and economic uncertainty, understanding the unique characteristics of the business environment in different countries becomes particularly relevant. This is especially important for countries with transitional economies, such as the Republic of Kazakhstan. This study represents a comprehensive analysis of the interaction between formal and informal rules in the context of business development in Kazakhstan. The aim of the work is to identify how legislative norms and informal practices, including cultural traditions, network connections, and corruption aspects, affect business processes, strategies, and decision-making by both local and foreign entrepreneurs.
The study relies on a comprehensive analysis: it examines the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, studies economic reports, and analyzes case studies of specific companies. Special attention is given to how formal rules, such as tax legislation and business regulations, interact with informal aspects, including cultural norms, informal networks, and practices of clientelism.
The results of the study show that successful business operations in Kazakhstan require not only compliance with legislative requirements but also an understanding of the informal aspects of the country's business culture. This includes adapting to local realities, the ability to build and maintain network connections, and considering the influence of traditional values on business processes.
Abstract:
This paper closely examines the attempts of Georgian wine producers to comply with EU export standards and how they perceive them. Moreover, this article presents how Georgian winemakers deliberate about the Georgian wine sector and its relation to the Soviet past, the Russian Federation, and mainly the EU market.
What role does the Europeanisation process play in shaping their resilience in the form of adaptation strategies or informal practices? Mostly, the study analyses whether the Europeanisation process and its perception may activate resilience in the winemakers in the form of adaptation, a possible transformation, or resistance, and so in the embracement of informality. Qualitative interviews with primarily small and medium-sized Georgian winemakers, along with Q methodology, form the foundation of this research. The theoretical framework is comprised of the interrelation of Europeanisation mechanisms, resilience, and informality literature.
The effectiveness of EU conditionality and the positive perception of EU requirements leaves no possibility of avoiding the EU wine export standards, and so to practice informality. In addition, a “self-conditionality” imposed by winemakers has led them to comply with EU standards and produce a higher-quality wine for a market they perceive as ideal —a market close to their idea of a “good life." Furthermore, Europeanisation co-occurs with identifying the Russian market as “Other," a market linked to informality, representing the past and not the destination to which winemakers aspire for their wines.