This replacement for Developments in East European Politics shifts the focus from the collapse of communism and process of transition to provide a comparative introduction to the emerging new political systems of the region. Like its companion volume on Western Europe, it brings together specially commissioned chapters by leading authorities to provide a tightly integrated introduction to politics, government and policy set in a broad economic and social context. It is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students of East European politics, Central European politics, communist and post-communist politics, European politics, and comparative politics.