The countries of the larger region of Eastern Europe pass through change and "modernization" processes with ambivalent effects. This book tackles aspects of cultural diversity and change in the Baltic States, in Southeast Europe and in the Southern Caucasus. These regions are diverse not only with regard to their historical, political and religious traditions but also with regard to their status as EU-members or non-members. The articles focus on the situation of ethnic minorities and related political and public discourses as well as on aspects of political cultures. The anthology also raises the topic of cleavages between geographic Eastern Europe and Europe's "reunited" part. Sonja Schuler is a Research and Teaching Assistant at the Department of Social Sciences (Social Anthropology) of the University of Fribourg (Switzerland).