Eastern Europe addresses the emergence of uncertain pluralism in the region following the disintegrations of the communist regimes in 1989. Taking a broad historical approach, the volume considers issues and challenges that have marked Eastern Europe from 1939, through World War II and the era of socialism, up to the present. Eight comprehensive country studies are augmented by detailed assessments of economic developments, security issues, religious currents, cultural policies, and gender relations in the region. Readers will find a clear and informed articulation of the interconnected spheres of change that have been remaking Eastern Europe since the dismantling of communism.Contributors are Elez Biberaj, Jack Bielasiak, William Crowther, Herbert J. Eagle, Laszlo Kurti, Andrei Kuznetsov, Paula Franklin Lytle, Daniel N. Nelson and Georgeta V. Pourchot, Spas T. Raikin, Sabrina P. Ramet, Brigitte H. Schulz, Gale Stokes, and Sharon L. Wolchik.