The Soviet Colossus

This history of 20th-century Russia has been expanded to tell the story of the Soviet aftermath. Michael Kort describes the immense difficulty Russia faces in its "transition" - still uncertain - from a totalitarian Communist society to democratic, free-market society. To succeed, Russia must simultaneously build democratic political institutions, establish a viable free-market economy, evolve a positive national identity and develop constructive new relationships with neighbouring states, both near and distant.