The disintegration of the Cold War division of Europe and the reunification of Germany have given new significance to the debate about the political, economic and cultural structure at the heart of Europe. Mitteleuropa: History and Prospects examines this pivotal topic in the light of recent research, and analyses the conflicting attempts to understand and shape this key region over the last century. The various chapters investigate the issues set to determine the kind of future Central Europe can expect in the years to come, providing detailed critical and historical assessments of the role of Germany; the social, political and economic distinctiveness of the region; and the attitude of the states outside the area. Mitteleuropa is a much-needed objective analysis of the inherited problems and future opportunities of this complex region.