The authors analyze various reform processes in the region and identify the essential ingredients for successful economic transition. They examine the theoretical and empirical background to economic reform in former communist countries and look at key elements of reform such as privatization and macroeconomic stabilization, the negative impact of "shock therapy," and the implications for the rest of Europe. Includes comparative case studies from Central Europe and Russia. Technical material is separated out in boxes and chapter appendices. For students and general readers. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.