Graeme J. Gill Bücher

The book examines the decline of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, focusing on the pivotal years from 1985 to December 1991. It analyzes the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the party's disintegration, highlighting key events and figures that shaped this transformative period in Soviet history. Through detailed research, the author provides insights into the complexities of the party's collapse and its implications for the future of Russia.

The book explores the evolution of political symbolism in the Soviet Union, highlighting how shifts in imagery and representation contributed to the system's eventual downfall. It delves into the relationship between symbolism and political power, offering insights into the ideological transformations that occurred over time. By examining these changes, the author presents a compelling argument about their impact on the stability and legitimacy of the Soviet regime, ultimately linking them to the broader narrative of its collapse.

Drawing on research based on access to recently-opened Soviet archives, this revised edition provides a thematic account of the nature of Stalinism. The book surveys the arguments about the origins of the Stalinist phenomenon and discusses the way in which the different faces of Stalinism (economic, social, cultural and political) changed over time. It concludes that the fall of the USSR was connected to the nature of Stalinism.