What makes some Eastern European countries politically victorious and economically prosperous while others have failed in both regards? Zuzowski deals with fundamental changes in the area after the demise of communism. He argues that the past is important because it is usually a reliable indicator of things to come in the near future. He also states that if systemic transformation is to succeed, a new totalism or comprehensive change introduced swiftly and based on justice and a rule of law is necessary.

After a general discussion of Eastern Europe, Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic are examined in detail. In addition, the West's approach to Eastern Europe after the collapse of communism is analyzed. This significant assessment will be of value to scholars, researchers, students, and policy makers involved with economic, political, and social change, post-communism, and Eastern Europe.