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A Failed Empire

The Soviet Union in the Cold War from Stalin to Gorbachev

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A Failed Empire

Written by: Vladimir Zubok
Narrated by: Nick Sullivan
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Western interpretations of the Cold War - both realist and neoconservative - have erred by exaggerating either the Kremlin's pragmatism or its aggressiveness, argues Vladislav Zubok. Explaining the interests, aspirations, illusions, fears, and misperceptions of the Kremlin leaders and Soviet elites, Zubok offers a Soviet perspective on the greatest standoff of the 20th century.

©2007 Vladislav M. Zubok (P)2010 Audible, Inc. Ideologies & Doctrines Russia United States World War Imperialism Self-Determination Military Cold War Eastern Europe American Foreign Policy Stalin Vietnam War Interwar Period
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What the critics say

"Ranks as the new standard work on the Soviet Union's Cold War - for scholars and students alike.... An excellent combination of old and new, offering both a synthetic interpretation of Soviet foreign policy in the latter half of the twentieth century and fresh new material to reconceptualize the factors behind that policy.... An important book [and] a standout." ( Journal of American History)

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Profile Image for Wells Cushnie

very interesting but not for everyone

I really enjoyed this book.

however, I am used to dense literature and have a particular fascination with the different narratives that make up history.

this is a fascinating account, based on extensive archives, of the thoughts and actions of the Soviet leadership during the cold war.

it describes the very different perspectives of different leaders ranging from the sheer evil of Stalin (although documenting that is not the purpose of this book) to the ideologically driven but incompetent Gorbachev. this is not a book about the crimes and results of Soviet action but rather attempts to explain the logic, flawed or not, and the imperfect people that led to it.

The motives and assumptions backing the actions taken by the Soviet Union are often rather different than was assumed in the west.


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