  Measurements of \alpha_s from event shapes in e^{+} e^{-} annihilation are
discussed including recent determinations using experimentally optimized
scales, studies of theoretically motivated scale setting prescriptions, and
recently observed problems with predictions in Next to Leading Logarithmic
Approximation. Other recent precision measurements of \alpha_s are briefly
discussed. The relevance of power terms for the energy evolution of event shape
means and distributions is demonstrated. Finally a summary on the current
results on \alpha_s(M_Z) and its running is given.

High Energy Physics - Experiment