This is the first time that a chapter on an Australian relationship with Eastern Europe has been included in the series Australia in World Affairs. The decision to break such new ground is surely a reflection of change in the world situation. The immensity of overall change needs no documentation but whether it has materially affected an Australian–East European connection has to be investigated. Is there, in other words, sufficient evidence to indicate a complementarity of interest, of resources, and of a perceived capability and need to cause a clearly identifiable, meaningful relationship to develop? Or are these two areas not only geographically distant but also still too unconnected, extraneous and aloof to make this chapter no more than a rather sterile chronicle of unrelated attitudes and opinions?