The Soviet Economy
The Soviet Economy

Author: Morris Bornstein

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-06-25

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1000305686

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The economic system of the Soviet Union is of vital interest not merely because the USSR is a world superpower but also because the Soviets offer their economic development strategy and system as a model to Third World nations seeking rapid development and social change. This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the evolution and operation of the Soviet economy, its external economic relations, and the challenges it faces in the next decade. The selections describe the nature and difficulties of Soviet economic planning and the wide range of legal and illegal unplanned activities in the Soviet economy today. They examine also the involvement of citizens as both producers and consumers. The closing section looks at prospects for the future in the areas of agriculture, energy, and technological development.

Behind the Facade of Stalin's Command Economy
Behind the Facade of Stalin's Command Economy

Author: Paul Gregory

Publisher: Hoover Institution Press

Published: 2013-11-01

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 0817928162

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The "red files" revealed. Examining the period from the early 1930s through Stalin's death in 1953—the height of the Stalinist regime—this enlightening book reveals what we have learned from the archives, what has surprised us, and what has confirmed what we already knew. Most of the authors have worked with these archives since they were opened.

The Ussr
The Ussr

Author: Darrell P. Hammer

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2019-07-11

Total Pages: 266

ISBN-13: 1000306836

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In this text, Dr. Hammer presents an analytical model of the Soviet political system and its process of political decisionmaking, based on the theory of "bureaucratic pluralism." He interprets the Soviet regime as a product of three different influences: the Tsarist tradition of nondemocratic rule, the revolutionary movement that overthrew Tsarism, and the Stalinism of 1924-1953. Since the death of Stalin, the Soviet regime has slowly evolved from a personal dictatorship into an oligarchical system. According to the author, this transformation has permitted the great Soviet bureaucracies, such as the military high command and the economic managers, to increase their power and influence over policymaking and to pursue their own interests in addition to those of the regime. From this perspective, the role of party leaders in the Politburo appears to be that of political brokers among conflicting interests, allocating resources among the various bureaucracies. This second edition has been completely revised and updated to reflect the realities of the Soviet system through the 27th Party Congress, which met in February 1986. Dr. Hammer applies the model of bureaucratic pluralism in the areas of public policy and economic planning, illustrating the theme that the evolution of a powerful bureaucratic organization has prevented the achievement of the original Leninist vision. He discusses specific features of the Soviet society that deviate from original principles (often based on dissident sources from within the USSR) and examines the role of party leaders in this ideological transition. Finally, he analyzes the rise of Gorbachev to power and the first steps taken under his leadership, such as the anti-alcohol campaign and efforts at economic reform. Because Dr. Hammer's analysis is particularly valuable for understanding the Gorbachev regime and the future of the Soviet system, this text is essential reading for all students of Soviet politics.