Abstract This essay offers an overview of the state and perspectives of comparative
economics in Europe. The starting point is the publication of the collected works
of Mario Nuti, but the overview covers several Handbooks and collections as well as
individual contributions. The big picture of the post-transition period highlights
the relevance of “old” comparative economics, especially when interpreting illiberal
practices in the post-communist Europe and the debate on the nature and limitations
of the Chinese market socialism.