This international collection of essays describes the state of community participation among the world's youth. An array of empirical research is used to present portraits of contemporary youth constructing their civic identities through such means as community service and political activism. The collection contains the following essays: "Introduction: International Perspectives on the Roots of Civic Identity" (J. Youniss; M. Yates); (1) "Community Service and Political-Moral Discussions among Adolescents: A Study of a Mandatory School-Based Program in the United States" (M. Yates); (2) "Social and Family Determinants of Community Service Involvement in Canadian Youth" (S. M. Pancer; M. W. Pratt); (3) "Exploring Adolescent Altruism: British Young People's Involvement in Voluntary Work and Campaigning" (D. Roker; K. Player; J. Coleman); (4) "Youth, Solidarity, and Civic Commitment in Italy: An Analysis of the Personal and Social Characteristics of Volunteers and Their Organizations" (E. Marta; G. Rossi; L. Boccacin); (5) "Political Socialization in the New States of Germany" (H. Oswald); (6) "Community Service and Social Cognitive Development in German Adolescents" (M. Hofer); (7) "Adolescents and the 'Social Contract': Developmental Roots of Citizenship in Seven Countries" (C. Flanagan; B. Jonsson; L. Botcheva; B. Csapo; J. Bowes; P. Macek; I. Averina; E. Sheblanova); (8) "Political Socialization in a Divided Society: The Case for Northern Ireland" (J. Whyte); (9) "Youth Experience in the Palestinian Intifada: A Case Study in Intensity, Complexity, Paradox, and Competence" (B. K. Barber); (10) "Beyond the Call of Duty: The Service of Israeli Youth in Military and Civic Contexts" (R. Seginer); (11) "Recent Trends in Civic Engagement among Japanese Youth" (K. Takahashi; G. Hatano); (12) "Learning Politics in the Crucible: The Socialization of Taiwan High School Students as Citizens in a New Democracy" (P. Strawn); and "Conclusion: Transcending Themes" (M. Yates; J. Youniss). (BT)