It is widely assumed that communism destroyed civil society in eastern Europe. This book shows how environmental activism maintained an immanent civil society throughout the communist period which, in the 1980s, began to challenge party ideology and rule. These themes are explored through a series of country case studies and theoretical contributions providing an examination of the role of environmental movements in relation to the historically unique process of transition that marked the end of state socialism. Environment and Society in Eastern Europe is an ideal text for undergraduate and masters courses in environmental politics and policy, environmental sociology and east European studies. Also of interest to students of area and international studies and political and regional geography.