Ivan Berend tells the dramatic story of the economic, social, political, and cultural transformation of Europe during the transition from the Cold War to the European Union, charting the overwhelming impact of the collapse of communism on every aspect of European life and asking which way now for Europe?

Introduction; 1. Europe approaches the 1980s: the dual crises (1968-1980); 2. The end of 'Two Europes' and European integration; 3. The new cultural and political setting; 4. The economic response to globalization. Recovery and growth. The integration of eastern and western Europe; 5. Dramatic demographic and social changes, consumerism and the welfare state; Epilogue. Quo vadis Europa?; Bibliography.

'This important book is contemporary history as it should be written. Against a triple background of central European, communist-era and US experience, Ivan Berend displays and critically analyses the situation and prospects of Europe, especially since the integration of the ex-communist states. He does so with his unique combination of information, lucidity, realism and sweeping historical perspective. One cannot fail to learn from, and sometimes to be surprised by, this coolly comparative diagnosis of Europe's problems.' Eric Hobsbawm, Birkbeck College, University of London'Few historians have such an excellent grasp as Ivan T. Berend of Europe's most recent economic, social and political history. This is a major and easily accessible contribution to our understanding of Europe's transition from a divided to an integrated, albeit still fragmented continent.' Wolfram Kaiser, University of Portsmouth'A book like this, which surveys the most recent thirty years of European history, is long overdue. Berend is cautiously optimistic about the future of eastern Europe; guarded about the prospect of progress toward a federal union - though supportive of the effort; acutely aware that in a coming age likely to be increasingly shaped by India and China, Europe's world power will wane; and, finally, confident that, as in the past, Europe will manage to cope with the big challenges that loom ahead.' John Gillingham, University of Missouri, St Louis