General study of Poland - covers history, demographic aspects and geographical aspects, social structure, religious practice, education, health, the economy, (agricultural sector, industrial sector, infrastructure, trade, external debt), government, politics, political opposition, international relations, defence, military service, administration of justice, etc. Bibliography, glossary, maps, organigram, photographs, statistical tables.

This book analyzes East-West economic and political relations in the context of the policies of the major Eastern and Western countries. The authors, a group of international scholars, examine the potential use of East-West trade as an instrument to influence Eastern policies, and they assess the effects of U.S. unilateral imposition of embargoes and sanctions against the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries. They conclude that although East-West economic relations suffer during times of increased international tension, trade between them is an important stabilizing element.