'An expert in probing mafia-type relationships in present-day Russia; Martin McCauley here offers a vigorously written scrutiny of Soviet politics and society since the days of Lenin and Stalin.'John Keep; Professor Emeritus; University of Toronto.The birth of the Soviet Union surprised many; its demise amazed the whole world. How did imperial Russia give way to the Soviet Union in 1917; and why did the USSR collapse so quickly in 1991? Marxism promised paradise on earth; but the Communist Party never had true power; instead allowing Lenin and Stalin to become dictators who ruled in its name. The failure of the planned economy to live up to expectations led to a boom in the unplanned economy; in particular the black market. In turn; this led to the growth of organised crime and corruption within the government. The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union examines the strengths; weaknesses; and contradictions of the first Marxist state; and reassesses the role of power; authority and legitimacy in Soviet politics. Including first-person accounts; anecdotes; illustrations and diagrams to illustrate key concepts; McCauley provides a seminal history of twentieth-century Russia.
#2667959 in Books Jungel Eberhard 2014-12-18 2014-12-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.81 x .29 x 5.06l; .84 #File Name: 0567339904136 pagesChrist Justice and Peace Toward a Theology of the State
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