An in-depth and accurate analysis of Eastern Europe during a tumultuous period that culminated in World War I. Ian Armour focuses on three major themes that shaped the fate of Eastern Europe in modern times - empire, national identity, and modernization - while chronologically tracing the emergence of the region as a distinct concept of space. It covers the history of the Habsburg, Ottoman, German, and Russian Empires, which were the main competitors for dominance in the region.

In this exciting new edition, Armour incorporates the findings of recent research on the nature and origins of nationalism and the efforts of these supranational states to secure loyalty to the dynasties and create new imperial identities. It examines significant personalities and governments, analyzes important events, and discusses socio-economic and cultural developments that are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the region during this period.