Publisher's Synopsis
This book is intended to fill the need for up-to-date material on the Gorbachev era and to provide scholars and students with source materials and interpretations not available in standard texts. In addition, the book will be regularly revised and updated to take account of rapidly changing events. Alexander Dallin and Gail Lapidus have brought together Western analyses, as well as Soviet documents and commentary, dealing with developments in the USSR's politics, economy, society, culture and foreign policy since 1985.;The collection covers a wide range of views - sceptical and enthusiastic, ideological and pragmatic - offered by journalists, politicians, observers and participants. Introductory and concluding material by the editors provides the essential context to help students understand the myriad opinions put forth on the vast changes in the USSR and where its future may lie.
