This new work of biographical reference presents succinct narrative biographies of every serving head of state and head of government.
Its content covers approximately 200 countries and territories and provides over 300 biographical profiles.
Each country section contains:
* A brief explanation of its type of government and the roles of the head of state, the head of government and the legislature
* Lists of the most recent heads of state and head of government, with dates of office
* Biographical profiles of current head of state and government, and other recent incumbents of these positions who remain significant and active political leaders
* A photographic section of a selection of the world's key political leaders
* A full index by name, date of taking office, and source of authority.

This comprehensive reference, an expanded edition of Revolutions in Eastern Europe, provides a general introduction and broad historical background of Eastern and Central European countries from the First World War onwards, focusing on the development of independent countries and the establishment of Soviet-backed dictatorships, as well as their subsequent experience of political pluralism and external relations and alignments in post 1989 Europe. Each country is covered in an individual chapter, giving a factual account of their revolutions and upheavals and an assessment of their underlying causes.