"This book contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the successes and failures of the post-communist transformation of nearly thirty countries. Looking at life after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the book examines and contrasts why some countries have virtually completed their transformation to a liberal polity and economy, while others lag behind. Those that followed a strategy of early and steady reform on economic, political, institutional and social dimensions have exhibited impressive results in economic performance, attracting foreign direct investment, dealing with the social costs of the transformation and establishing a liberal democracy. In contrast, some countries have frozen their transition after control was seized by powerful oligarchic groups who have drained considerable state assets."--Jacket.