The transformation of Eastern and Central Europe into functioning market democracies can be facilitated by incorporating the lessons of cooperation theory into standard economic theory. By doing so, the countries are more likely to achieve the fruits and benefits of a market democracy so long denied their citizens. Institutional, theoretical, and empirical results of game theory and policy analysis are woven together to present a timely understanding of this complex issue. Policy makers with key roles in the transformation processes, general economists, political scientists, and laypersons will find this analysis a useful resource.