This volume examines societal change in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Russia in a purposeful movement away from the generalized debated associated with 'transition' theory and a simultaneous engagement with the complexities of everyday life throughout the region at the local level. In addition to addressing the problematic nature of a discursive east-west divide, Trans-National Issues, Local Concerns and Meanings of Post-Socialism brings together a range of academics and practitioners working on specific locally-situated concerns including drug use, HIV/AIDS, health, identity, and welfare as well as issues related to minority ethnic groups. While drawing attention to the salience of a common socialist past, these empirically-rich chapters highlight the importance of moving beyond simplistic east-west analytical framework in order to acknowledge the multifaceted societal realties evident with the former socialist countries of CEE and Russia.