The editor and her contributors explore the influences of state socialism and communist political ideals on the capital cities of Eastern Europe, their architecture and urban development, during the Cold War period. Following an introduction, which provides the historical and political background for the individual capital city chapters, the book is divided into three parts: The Centre: Moscow; The Satellites: Warsaw, East Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Bucharest and Sofia; and The Periphery: Belgrade and Tirana.

Each city study addresses a set of common themes thus affording a coherent picture of these capitals at a critical time in their histories. Contributors will discuss key projects, from master plans to public buildings; attitudes to the inherited urban landscapes, from wartime damage to imperial palaces; actors in the processes of city governance; relationships with and influences of the Soviet Union, neighbouring countries, and governments and organizations beyond Eastern Europe; competition between economic pressures, citizens' needs and state interests.

A short conclusion will review what has gone before and look again at the forces that shaped these cities.