For half a century the Soviet economy was inefficient but stable. In the late 1980s, to the surprise of nearly everyone, it suddenly collapsed. Why did this happen? And what role did Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's economic reforms play in the country's dissolution? In this groundbreaking study, Chris Miller shows that Gorbachev and his allies tried to learn from the great success story of transitions from socialism to capitalism, Deng Xiaoping's China. Why, then, were efforts to revitalize Soviet socialism so much less successful than in China? Making use of never-before-studied documents from the Soviet politburo and other archives, Miller argues that the difference between the Soviet Union and China--and the ultimate cause of the Soviet collapse--was not economics but politics. The Soviet government was divided by bitter conflict, and Gorbachev, the ostensible Soviet autocrat, was unable to outmaneuver the interest groups that were threatened by his economic reforms. Miller's analysis settles long-standing debates about the politics and economics of perestroika, transforming our understanding of the causes of the Soviet Union's rapid demise.

Study in historical perspective of developments in economic policy in the USSR - covers economic structures and economic administration prior to and during the 1st world war, the position during the 50 years of the communist regime, political leadership of the country, the collective economy, industrialization, political problems, economic growth, etc. Bibliography pp. 389 to 391, and statistical tables.

This book is for the practicing businessperson who wants to expand his/her international marketing reach into the U.S.S.R. As such, it provides a `one-stop' initial reference for anyone who wishes to take advantage of a more open Soviet marketplace under Mr. Gorbachev. International Executive If you want to do business with Gorbachev's Russia, this book is your essential guide. Tom Sealy, Financial Times Business Information, London This handbook, written by a Russian-born consultant in international trade, offers the business person expert guidance through the intricacies of Soviet foreign trade and presents sample documents, forms, and other materials necessary for embarking on commercial negotiations with the Russians. To help the Western business person understand the environment in which Soviet trade takes place, Knight begins with an outline of economic and political conditions in Russia today, with particular emphasis on how Russians do business at home and abroad. Among the topics considered are the organization of foreign trade, the general business outlook and prospects in specific export areas, industrial cooperation, trade fairs and exhibitions, the process of setting up an office in the U.S.S.R., U.S. trade regulations, and Soviet customs regulations. The remainder of the book gives detailed guidance on the procedures, protocols, strategies, and cultural nuances that the foreign business person will encounter in commercial negotiations with the Soviets.

This book describes the irrational life of Soviet producers, the monstrous deprivation of Soviet consumers, and the ideological origins of the Soviet economy that have resulted in a system unable to bear the weight of being a superpower. The authors spell out the challenges that Gorbachev and his successors face. The penultimate chapter deals with the privatization of the Soviet economy. In the last chapter they document the failure of Western experts and pundits to create a true picture of the Soviet system.

Leading scholars in the field analyse the Soviet economy sector by sector to make available, in textbook form, the results of the latest research on Soviet industrialisation.

This book provides a comprehensive survey of Soviet economic development from 1917 to 1965 in the context of the pre-revolutionary economy. In these years the Soviet Union negotiated the first stages of modern industrialisation and then, after the defeat of Nazi Germany and its allies, emerged as one of the two world superpowers. This was also the first attempt to construct a planned socialist order. These developments resulted in great economic achievements at great human cost. Using the results of recent Russian and Western research, Professor Davies discusses the inherent faults and strengths of the system, and pays particular attention to the major controversies. Was the Russian Revolution doomed to failure from the outset? Could the mixed economy of the 1920s have led to a democratic socialist economy? What was the influence of Soviet economic development on the rest of the world?