The Collapse of Communism (Publication Series)

By: Edwards, Lee

Book Overview

Ten years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and eight years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, experts continue to debate one of the most important political questions of the twentieth century--why did Communism collapse so suddenly? A comprehensive and often unexpected answer is provided in this unique volume of essays by the world's leading authorities on Communism.

Presidential adviser Zbignew Brzezinski discusses the critical role of policymakers like Ronald Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev, and John Paul II in the demise of Communism. Richard Pipes and Martin Malia debate the importance of history and ideology. Robert Conquest analyzes the deleterious impact of the Stalin years, and Michael Novak delineates the missing element of faith in Communism. Andrzej Brzeski exposes the fatal flaws of Communist economics; Brian Crozier discusses why there was a cold war. Paul Hollander concludes with a consideration of who in the academy was right--and wrong--about Communism. These insightful essays suggest that a wide range of forces--political, economic, strategic, and religious--along with the indispensable role of the principled statesman and the brave dissident, brought about the collapse of Communism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0817998128
• ISBN13: 9780817998127
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Hoover Institution Press
• Length: 207 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great view of Edward's "Collapse of Communism"

This volume shows the total depravity of the system from many viewpoints. It is highly recommended.I could understand the prior reviewer's complaint if China had really been ECONOMICALLY Communist since the 1970s, but the comparative benefits vis a vis India are attributable to the actual workings of Capitalism in China despite the name up front. Of course, politically China is still as totalitarian as ever. One is reminded of Milton Friedman's analysis of India; its own problem is too much statism regardless of name.The best analysis is of the total losses in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Why doesn't the prior reviewer compare, say, East and West Germany, or the Ukraine and Iowa?Overall, this volume is more than worth having.