The author summarizes the findings of a longer research programme. He does not question the need for decentralising the public sector, though he criticises the "reform" policy that ignores the social and macro-economic environment.

Postmodernist authors preach tolerance, although often they appear arrogant themselves. It seems there is a relationship between philosophy and behaviour.

It is well known that multilateral organisations play a significant role in shaping the economic and social policies of former socialist countries. It is less known, however, that these organisations represent different views and also they change their own positions sometimes.

The authors claim that the main reason for the return of post-communist parties is that they could sell themselves as social-democratic parties. Accordingly, their failure to fulfill the related promises will be the main cause for their fall. In order to understand the dynamic of East European politics, class analysis must be revived.