The Strong Coupling: Measurements and Running

Measurements of \alpha_s from event shapes in e^+ e^- annihilationare discussed including recent deteminations using experimentallyoptimized scales, studies of theoretically motivated scale settingprescriptions, and recently observed problems with predictions inNext to Leading Logarithmic Approximation. Other recent precisionmeasurements of \alpha_s are briefly discussed. The relevance ofpower terms for the energy evolution of event shape means and distributions is demonstrated. Finally, a summary on the currentresults on \alpha_s(M_Z) and its running is given.