This chapter draws on literature from a variety of disciplines (criminology, sociology, political science, and public health) to describe and explain the effects of the postcommunist political, economic, and social changes on homicide in Central and Eastern Europe. It first describes the state of knowledge about homicide rates and trends during the communist period. Next, it describes the changes in homicide rates and events that occurred after the fall of communism. Then, it reviews research studies that have provided explanations for homicide changes during the postcommunist period. Finally, it discusses three ways in which homicide research in Eastern Europe should be expanded.