In this book, Marshall D. Shulman emphasizes that an analysis of Soviet foreign policy during the closing years of Stalin's life from the perspective of the present calls into question many common assumptions about the character of that policy.

The series Religion and Society (RS) contributes to the exploration of religions as social systems- both in Western and non-Western societies; in particular, it examines religions in their differentiation from, and intersection with, other cultural systems, such as art, economy, law and politics. Due attention is given to paradigmatic case or comparative studies that exhibit a clear theoretical orientation with the empirical and historical data of religion and such aspects of religion as ritual, the religious imagination, constructions of tradition, iconography, or media. In addition, the formation of religious communities, their construction of identity, and their relation to society and the wider public are key issues of this series.

This book contributes to the public discussion of policy issues by making available to readers some of the information and insights which have resulted from the work of many scholars in Soviet affairs.

In this book, Marshall D. Shulman emphasizes that an analysis of Soviet foreign policy during the closing years of Stalin's life from the perspective of the present calls into question many common assumptions about the character of that policy.

This book contributes to the public discussion of Soviet foreign policy issues by making available some of the information and insights which have resulted from the work of many scholars in this field. It explores how diverse trends in the evolution of the policy affected the nature of the Cold War.