Includes bibliographical references (p. 214-217).

At the beginning of the 21st century there is a rare coincidence of profound transformations in a number of areas, in population dynamics, in human settlements, in science and technology, economics, social stratification, in the role and functions of the states and in the global power structure and in governance. The systemic transformation of the former Socialist countries is an important component of the ongoing changes. The volume is based on the author's research in the framework of the Institute for World Economics on specific aspects of the changes. It is focusing on the human dimensions of global transformations. It places the transformations in a broad interdisciplinary context in a world, which is more like a great Tower of Babel than a global village. Political, economic and social conditions vary immensely throughout the world, influenced by the size, natural endowments, development level, economic structure, political and institutional patterns, and competitiveness of the countries. The new state and non-state actors make the system of interests and values more diverse. All these have a major influence on the future of individuals and of the different communities in this watershed time. The book concludes that modern societies do not need old textbook models or other utopias but realistic and humanistic alternatives, with the help of collaborative political and scientific actions.