AFTER THE COLLAPSE: Russia Seeks Its Place As A Great Power

By Dimitri K. Simes

Explores a country struggling with economic crises while pursuing an assertive foreign policy and analyses the relationship between Russia and the U.S.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684827166
• ISBN13: 9780684827162
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Understanding Russia

This is one of the most coherent, relatively short books available anywhere on what has happened in Russia since the collapse of the old regime. Simes writes in a very clear manner and avoids the long, complex explanations of events common to many who write on this topic. One of the reasons why this book is so readable is that it is more of a journalistic, personal impression which incorporates his discussions with senior Russian leaders as well as former President Nixon. His explanation of Gorbachev's fall, for example, is placed against the background of Nixon's views on the subject as well as his own conversations. I wish I had seen this book earlier. I would have used it in a class I teach on Russian politics.Dale Herspring Kansas State University

After the Collapse

Generally a good book. Describes the details, internal workings, personalities and political maneuverings in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet empire. Enlightening about the intellectual capability of the late president Nixon in foreign affairs. Confirms what we would expect from the Clinton administration. Written with a heavy hand. You'll have to wade through the verbiage. Good cure for insomnia. Keep a dictionary handy. Author rather overconfident he has all the solutions to Russia's problems and our relationship with Russia. Overall, worth reading.

Hard, detailed reading - but worth it!

This book should be required reading for all members of the US Department of State. The book is not very long, but is crammed full of details regarding the top players in Russian politics. You'll need to stop reading after each chapter to let your brain rest, but it is good reading. Lots of information on the way the Russian government works (or doesn't work). The last couple of chapters are the best, but you need to read the whole book to really get out of them what is there. Suggestion: Take a pad of paper and take notes on which person did what. To me, many of the Russian names are unfamiliar, and yet key players. I had to keep refering back to keep track of individuals.

FOR ONCE A REAL AUTHORITY SPEAKS

The value is in the careful analysis of the Yeltsin years that any student of Russian foreign policy must read.