Roy Medvedev, one of the world's best-known Russian scholars and
a former consultant to both Gorbachev and Yeltsin analyzes the main
events that have transpired in the Russian federation since late
August 1991. He looks at the plans that were meant to restructure a
society in crisis but -- for reasons both complex and obvious --
were destined to fail. From the drastic liberalization of prices
and "shock therapy" to the privatization of state owned property
and Yeltsin's resignation and replacement by Vladimir Putin, this
is an intricately fascinating saga of good intentions,
philosophical warfare, and catastrophic miscalculations.
Among the many compelling facts detailed here are Yeltsin's
utter surprise -- and lack of preparation -- at the failed coup
against Gorbachev in 1991, when power fell virtually into his lap;
his failure to heed the warnings of learned advisers like Yuri
Yaremenko, who knew that Western economics could not be applied to
Russia; and Yeltsin's dramatic (and unprecedented) decree in 1992
allowing anyone to sell or buy anything they wished.
In a sweeping conclusion covering the critical events of 1998
and 1999 as well as a detailed analysis of the 1995 and 1996
elections, Medvedev lays forth an exhaustive survey of recent
political shifts, attitudes, statistics, and trends. From birth and
death rates on the farm and in the city through a number of highly
charged campaigns and elections to the new goal of the Communist
Youth League (to become millionaires), this is a breathtakingly
detailed survey of an unforgettable chapter in Russia's
history.
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