Beschreibung:
Taking the Soviet collapse as a case study, this text engages students in the exercise of historical analysis, interpretation and explanation. In exploring the question posed by the title the author introduces concepts as power conflict, revolution and transition to democracy in an accessible way.
Introduction: Contexts and Comparisons; Chapter 1 Legacies: The Burdens of Russian and Soviet History; Chapter 2 Cracks in the Foundation: The Post-Stalin Years; Chapter 3 Reviving Soviet Socialism: The Gorbachev Experiment; Chapter 4 Unintended Consequences: Economic Crisis and Social Awakening; Chapter 5 Passing into History: The Final Act of the Soviet Drama;