Abstract
In post-socialist cities, urban environments formed under socialist regimes are being adapted to new conditions shaped by the transition to capitalism. With the establishment of market rules and pluralistic democracy, newly developed social practices of individuals, firms, and governments became imprinted in urban landscapes.
Urban change has been especially influenced by internationalization, economic restructuring, social differentiation, postmodern culture, and neoliberal political practices. The main transformations in the spatial organization included the commercialization of city centers, the dynamic and spatially selective revitalization in inner cities, and the radical transformation of suburban hinterland affected by sprawl.
At the same time, decline, degradation and misery have concentrated in places of social exclusion. The emerging social urban roblems and the recognition of pitfalls of neoliberal capitalism lead to the reconsideration of practices and policies and the reexamination of the institutional setup.
Cities in former socialist countries are still on the road of their transformations.