ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book suggests that the south-east part of Europe is currently the most crucial component of Europe's further development. It investigates economic aspects of South-east Europe. The book aims at an overarching explanation of recent evolution and informed mid-run anticipation; it remains sketchy in some detail to be able to drag the reader to more general conclusions. It also aims to inspire debates rather than to present a unique and all aspects encompassing theory of Europe's south-east. The book characterizes the evolution as driven by the major agents at work in the area since the end of World War II. It deals with some ideas on the future, this time concerning the economic production structures possible in Europe's south-east and the policy recommendations they imply.
