Publisher's Synopsis
This collection of essays from a team of specialists in Soviet issues, examines the impact of Gorbachev on the Soviet political system, both in terms of domestic developments and the foreign policy implications.;Apart from the central issue of the economy, the first part of the book deals with other domestic issues which have only recently come to the fore as a result of perestroika and glasnost, such as the nationalities questions and labour relations. Other chapters focus on the education system, and the important issue of how the Soviets see their past.;The second part examines the external impact of Gorbachev, including the creation of the "Gorbachev image" abroad, Gorbachev's strategy towards the United States and American perceptions of the Soviet Union under Gorbachev. Of equal importance is the impact of Gorbachev on other countries of Eastern Europe. In this respect there is a particular focus on Hungary and Poland as the two countries of Eastern Europe which have advanced furthest towards tackling the problems of reform and have reached decisive points in their transformation.
