The edited volume „Die politischen Systeme im östlichen Europa - Institutionen, Akteure und Prozesse“ (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-658-43647-6) offers a comprehensive and comparative analysis of the institutions, political dynamics, and patterns of change across the post-socialist states of Central and Eastern Europe. Bringing together leading scholars with deep regional and thematic expertise, the book provides an up-to-date overview of how political systems in this part of Europe have developed since the end of state socialism and how they function. The volume examines the core institutions of political systems—including constitutions, executive–legislative relations, party systems, electoral institutions, courts, and state–society relations—while situating them within broader historical and socio-political contexts. Rather than treating the region as a homogeneous post-transition space, the book emphasizes diversity and differentiation, highlighting distinct regime trajectories. It thereby challenges simplified East–West dichotomies and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of regime development within the European political landscape. A key contribution of the volume lies in its systematic comparative approach. Each country chapter follows a common analytical framework, enabling structured cross-national comparison while preserving sensitivity to national specificities. This design allows readers to identify both shared patterns and critical divergences in institutional design, political competition, and governance outcomes. In addition, the book addresses the interaction between the national and supranational levels, in particular the European Union, as well as the impact of regional and global crises on political stability and democratic norms. The volume is intended for a broad academic audience, including scholars and students of comparative politics, European studies, and international relations, as well as practitioners seeking empirically grounded insights into the political developments of the region. By combining theoretical reflection with detailed empirical analysis, the book serves both as a reference work and as a platform for ongoing debates on democracy, rule of law, and political change in Central and Eastern Europe. The book launch provides an opportunity to discuss the volume’s central findings, reflect on recent political developments in the region, and engage in dialogue about future research agendas. In light of the book’s forthcoming English-language publication, the event also aims to situate the volume within international scholarly debates and to foster exchange between regional specialists and the wider comparative politics community.