Based on two international conferences at Princeton University and the Central European University, this is a handy guide to the problem of corruption in transition countries, with an important comparative content. Political Corruption in Transition is distinguished from similar publications by at least two features: by the quality of the carefully selected and edited essays ans by its original treatment. Instead of the usual preaching and excommunications, this Skeptic`s Handbook represents down-to-earth realism.

Combines general issues with case studies and original research. The geographic coverage is wide, though it is ideas rather than a geography that drive the volume`s organization.

András Sajó is Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law at Central European University, Budapest. He participated in half a dozen constitutional reforms in Eastern Europe. He has published extensively on the theory of rights, judicial review and social change.

Stephen Kotkin teaches European and Asian history at Princeton University, where he also directs the Russian studies program.