Forward to the past?

The past remains very much present in the contemporary politics of the newly emerging demoracies in Central and Eastern Europe. Not only the legacy of a half century of communist rule, but also the often in-complete processes of social transformation connected with the Habsburg Empire - including its internal organization, its international relations and the consequences of its collapse - are visible today in Hugary, as well as the Czech and Slovak Republics. As the contributions to this voume amply demonstrate, the development of today´s political systems in the region require a perspective that includes a thorough examination of the historical record in the region and an appreciation of the impact of Austria´s political development as well.