Communist parties ruled sixteen states over the course of the 20th century. At communistsm's high point, its adherents envisioned global triumph. Today, however, only five communist regimes remain in power. Why? In this book, George W. Breslauer, who has spent decades studying the evolution of...

The postcommunist countries were amongst the most fervent and committed adopters of neoliberal economic reforms. Not only did they manage to overcome the anticipated domestic opposition to 'shock therapy' and Washington Consensus reforms, but many fulfilled the membership requirements of the...