‘Illusory Corporatism “Mark 2”’ in the Baltic States

Abstract

In their paper the authors employ the notion of 'illusory corporatism' coined over a decade ago. In the Baltic states, despite introduction of neo-corporatist institutional arrangements, neo-liberal policies have prevailed, thus the term appears appropriate to describe the actual status of tripartite social dialogue in the area for many years. Following the onset of the global economic crisis, which deeply affected the Baltic region, neo-corporatist type arrangements seem to have been re-embraced by trade unions and received support of the state. However, this renewed interest in neo-corporatism is mostly a tactical move on the part of the state, aiming to facilitate social peace in the times of recession and the implementation of stern austerity measures, with trade unions largely failing to influence the shape of anti-crisis policies of governments. Th us this new chapter in the history of social dialogue in the Baltic states is labelled 'illusory corporatism Mark 2'.