Argues that the economic history of Eastern and Central Europe over the last century contains vital legacies that will shape its economic future. The book explains the current and future problems of this volatile region, and includes comparative analyses of individual countries.

In East and Central Europe, the euphoria of 1989 has given way to more sober reflections on the economic future of the region. There is now growing concern as to whether these states can successfully make the transition to market economies or if they will gradually lapse into a lengthy period of social and political conflict. In "Economic Transformations in East and Central Europe," the contributors argue that the area's economic history over the last century or so uncovers the legacies that will shape its economic future. From this historical perspective they show that the current watershed is only the most recent in a series of dramatic turning points in the region's long-term economic development. They go on to discuss how this heritage can be used positively for building market economies and integrating the region into the world economy. The volume contains fifteen chapters, including analyses of seven individual countries as well as many comparative studies. "The Economic Transformations in East and Central Europe" presents an invaluable guide to understanding the current and future problems of this region.