ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the changing relationship between the superpowers and Europe. It describes the various “eras” of economic and social development in Eastern Europe and explores the determinants of the successes and failures of Eastern European policies, highlighting the economic and social changes from the perspectives of theoretical and practical concerns. The chapter deals with the problem of choice for Eastern Europe, evaluating their opportunities for greater or lesser integration with the West as well as the dangers of choosing either autarchy or integration. It aims to observe the determinants, the parameters, the variables of successes and failures in Eastern Europe. The economic determinant or variable of successes and failures is equally difficult to ascertain. Trade with the West for the Communist states meant an infusion of cheap capital in the form of loans whose repayment would be prolonged far into the future.
