«In 2009 Europe celebrates the 20th anniversary of freedom in Central and Eastern Europe. 20th anniversary of freedom in Central and Eastern Europe unfortunately comes together with the biggest economical crises after II World War on the planet. Many Central and Eastern European countries are badly hit by this. This has raised the question whether the democratic and market reforms have been successful at all, and if life wasn't perhaps better under communism. These questions must be quickly answered – and best time for this is to do it now, during 20th anniversary of peaceful revolutions and the fall of communism. Unfortunately, we have not talked enough on this success story. Enlargement of Europe has as a result of this looked more of a problem than a victory. It is high time to put the events in Central and Eastern Europe to the right perspective, demonstrating to all of us how freedom works.

This is a book about Communism, about what it really accomplished and about the destruction it caused during its decades in power. Without this, it is not possible to understand the problems and challenges of transition.
This is a book about courage - about how fear was overcome step by step. How, in the beginning, there were always only small groups of brave people who risked everything and were often crushed by totalitarian regimes for doing so. Their courage nevertheless paved the way to continued resistance - and, in the end this resistance crushed
the Evil Empire. This is also a story of solidarity: without the West's success in the Cold War, the Soviet empire would not have been defeated.
This is a book about the power of freedom and democracy. The achievements of the transition of former Communist countries have often been underestimated and the success of the enlargement of the European Union, neglected. Hopefully, such an understanding will encourage Europe today to continue its enlargement, bringing greater stability to its borders.»
Author Mart Laar