The paper analyzes the transformation in Eastern Europe in the perspective of global history and compares it to actual world-wide developments. The theoretical frame of reference is a strongly modified formation theory which allows for a truly comparative and interdisciplinary perspective. The main topic is the presentation of basic aspects of the fundamental changes in postsocialist societies in comparison with global tendencies: the economic process with its deep crisis, the political process with its instabilities, the changes in social consciousness with their complicated contradictions and some social features such as rising intolerance and violent conflicts. Finally future options are discussed.