The analysis begins with an overview of the types of transnational criminality that are the targets of attempts by the states of western Europe, eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, and the United States to develop cooperative strategies to address a common problem. It then examines the aims and processes of police modernization in a range of eastern European states and the Russian Federation. The discussion links this examination to a consideration of the scope and limitations of the development of East-West police cooperation strategies and systems. The author advises that the development of police cooperation to achieve the common goals of states will be a long-term process and will inevitably suffer setbacks even if only from frequent changes of key personnel in the former communist-ruled states. It also requires recognition that ways must be found to make resources available to meet identified needs. Western policymakers and observers must maintain an objective perspective on what is happening in Europe; crime problems are inevitable in times of political and economic turmoil. While promoting free- market economies in eastern Europe, the West must not forget that it too is unable to regulate criminality effectively in the market place and that transnational crime problems existed before 1989. 101 notes