The Politics of Transition: Shaping a Post-Soviet Future / Edition 1

by Stephen White, Graeme Gill, Darrell Slider

Overview

This book, written by three of the West's leading scholars of Soviet and post-Soviet affairs, traces the politics of transition in the late 1980s and early 1990s from its origins to its uncertain post-communist future. Detailed but clearly and accessibly written, The Politics of Transition provides an ideal guide for students and specialists to the changes that have been taking place in the politics of the newly-independent nations that together constitute a sixth of the world's land surface.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521446341
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/27/1993
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

Hometown:

Colorado

Date of Birth:

August 20, 1951

Place of Birth:

Long Island, New York

Education:

B.A., UC Berkeley, 1972; M.A., University of Colorado, Boulder, 1975; Ph.D., 1979

Website:

http://www.authorstephenwhite.com

Table of Contents

1. Beyond marxism; 2. Reforming the electoral system; 3. Structures of government; 4. The presidency and central government; 5. From union to independence; 6. Patterns of republic and local politics; 7. The withering away of the party; 8. The emergence of competitive politics; 9. The politics of economic interests; 10. Public opinion and the political process; 11. Letters and political communication; 12. The Soviet transition and 'democracy from above'.

Editorial Reviews

"...an informative, academic resource, drawing significantly on the newly vigorous Soviet press." Publishers Weekly

"The clear and concise exposition makes this volume accessible to students as well as scholars. It is an excellent introduction for any scholar unfamiliar with this period. It may be appropriate for advanced undergraduates in a course giving close attention to this period of profound change. Because each essay can stand alone, both teachers and scholars will find this volume valuable as a quick introduction, reference and refresher on each of its topics." Philip G. Roeder, Slavic Review

From the Publisher

Three Sovietologists collaborate on a detailed look at the transformation and ultimate dissolution of the Soviet Union, concentrating on the years 1988-1991. Though the book suffers somewhat from its general avoidance of the Yeltsin era and the struggles of newly independent republics, it is an informative academic resource, drawing significantly on the newly vigorous Soviet press. Exploring the decline of Marxism, the authors note that, due to a rapidly declining living standard, Russians were far less optimistic than their Eastern European counterparts that a post-communist economic system would help them materially. The authors analyze the Soviet electoral system, including innovative proposals to make elections more competitive, such as proportional representation of ethnic minorities, and trace the burgeoning civil and political society, including trade unions, popular fronts and new attention to public opinion. The authors warn that ``democracy from above,'' created by legislative enactment, cannot succeed until the entire society grows a new democratic culture of politics. White teaches at the University of Glasgow, Gill at the University of Sydney and Slider at the University of South Florida. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly