The focus of this work is the international dimension of democratization in eastern Europe. Coverage of this theme includes: the role of national governments and international organizations; the behaviour of non-state actors such as entrepreneurs and ethnic groups with cross-border allegiances; unintentional effects, such as those of market forces; and deliberate attempts to exercise influence, such as the use of trade barriers. The work argues that international factors have been a principal component of, and not always favourable to, democratization in eastern Europe. It examines in turn comparative perspectives, theories of democracy and democratization, problems on international security - including the collapse of Yugoslavia - and the roles of the EU and the former USSR. Also considered are the cases of the Czech Repbulic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland.