This book provides a comprehensive overview of the ways in which the structure and process of Soviet politics have been transformed since Stalin's death, and particularly during the years of the Brezhnev regime. In explaining the Soviet Union's political stability, the author analyzes the Soviet combination of harsh authoritarian rule with political flexibility in the treatment of its citizens, and he describes the social processes that contribute to this stability. He also analyzes the Soviet perception of the current international situation and discusses trends in Soviet foreign policy, including the imbalance between military power on the one hand and political, economic, ideological, and cultural resources on the other. Professor Bialer explains the Soviet concept of detente and explores the difference between Soviet and American perceptions of this process. A major part of the work is devoted to an examination of the imminent succession of the Soviet leadership. The book gives a profile of the new generation of potential leaders and identifies the characteristics that make them different form those whom they will replace. The Soviet leadership, while embroiled in its succession struggle, will have to make difficult decisions concerning the allocation of national resources and overall changes in management, planning, and incentives. Professor Bialer concludes by analyzing the kinds of economic reform that could make the problems manageable and the conditions under which the new Soviet leadership will need to institute reforms.
Reviews
'... a penetrating view of the Soviet governmental system and its likely future in the 1980s. His dissection of Stalin's rule by mass terror is masterly.' John Barkham, Federal Times
'He displays a mastery of detail and excellent judgment. The book is solidly based on a remarkably broad knowledge of the available data.' Myron Rush, International Security
'Seweryn Bialer is probably the most perceptive observer of Soviet politics, society and foreign policy writing today ... His book is a superb and well documented piece of scholarship.' Richard Ullman, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs
'In the next decade the world is likely to be a more dangerous place than anything we have known for at least a generation. In order to contain almost certain disorder, we had best try to understand the sources of Soviet conduct, and reading Seweryn Bialer is one of the best ways to begin.' The New York Times
'It is salutary to have a work that asks us to set aside our penchant for facile or ideologically motivated assumptions, and to see the USSR in a dispassionate and icily objective manner.' Washington Post



Book Information
ISBN 9780521289061
Author Seweryn Bialer
Format Paperback
Page Count 324
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 527g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 154mm * 20mm