A Failed Empire

The Soviet Union in the Cold War from Stalin to Gorbachev

By: Vladimir Zubok

Narrated by: Nick Sullivan

Western interpretations of the Cold War - both realist and neoconservative - have erred by exaggerating either the Kremlin's pragmatism or its aggressiveness, argues Vladislav Zubok. Explaining the interests, aspirations, illusions, fears, and misperceptions of the Kremlin leaders and Soviet elites, Zubok offers a Soviet perspective on the greatest standoff of the 20th century.

©2007 Vladislav M. Zubok (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Ranks as the new standard work on the Soviet Union's Cold War - for scholars and students alike.... An excellent combination of old and new, offering both a synthetic interpretation of Soviet foreign policy in the latter half of the twentieth century and fresh new material to reconceptualize the factors behind that policy.... An important book [and] a standout." ( Journal of American History)

A different perspective on the Cold War

Would you try another book from Vladimir Zubok and/or Nick Sullivan?

Yes to both

Any additional comments?

A Failed Empire was interesting in that most Americans are familiar with the Western perspective on the important events of the Cold War - the Berlin Wall, Cuban missile crisis, etc. This book uses Russian sources to reveal the reasons behind some seemingly contradictory policies pursued by the USSR, and highlighted the unwillingness of some apparently belligerent Soviet leaders to risk actual war. The book is long and detailed, but worth the trouble.

Foreign Affairs America and Russia

The points of view of this book is quite original and very entertaining. I could not put this book down for sheer energy of the narrative and insightful analysis. I wish the author had been tougher on the early history of Stalin.. I believe Stalin was a monster of historical proportions and we still feel the affects of this cruel tyrant. I especially liked the perceptions of American political leadership. I am somewhat surprised by the erratic and confusing policies of going from Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush. I am amazed by the gyrations as each President succeeded his rival; it was dizzying and it defied logic. I can not see how Gorbachev could have saved the Soviet Union; the author indicates that Gorbachev should have arrested Yeltsin and prepare shed blood. Regardless, the Soviet Union economy was a basket case and beyond redemption. I was surprised that Leonid Brezhnev was the primary leader who sought détente primarily with the United States. Too bad Brezhnev's health and his association with Nixon undermined his accomplishments. Brezhnev utterly failed to address the declining Russian economy in an era of rising military costs contrasted the failing economies of central Europe. I did appreciate that the author made it clear that Ronald Reagan did not bring down the Soviet Union. This nonsense was perpetuated by the Republican Party. Another President, Jimmy Carter, was also incompetent in foreign affairs. This is a great and valuable book; I learned much very it and highly recommend as valuable information of American/Russian relationships. Thie analysis of Gorbachev"s personality led me to better understand the collapse of the Soviet Union and the eventual rise of Vladimir Putin.

Informative but bias with narrow focus

Strong pro Western bias. Immediately presumes democracy and capitalism are only correct path and constantly attacks USSR on moral grounds. It is fine to have that view but keep your feelings and judgements out of your nonfiction work. They have no place here.
Also mostly focused on Soviet leaders while ignoring most aspects of Soviet Society. The influence of individuals on soviet history is part of the thesis so that is fine but don't expect this to be a comprehensive history as it certainly is not. No close look at soviet military, economy, etc. Best if you read a more general history of the USSR first then read this. The author does make many interesting points, especially about Gorbachev and the end of the USSR.

Potential Docudrama

his contemporary Russian perspective on Cold War history includes at least a few scenes that are BEGGING for a dramatic depiction on television.

ESPECIALLY: In 1972, upon Henry Kissinger's arrival on a visit to the USSR, a drunken, sedative-drugged Brezhnev insisted on taking Kissinger on a bat-out-of-hell high-speed car ride. Brezhnev also took "a terrified Nixon" on a high-speed car ride while on a state visit to America.

I recommend reading this book after watching or re-watching the movie, "Planes, Trains & Automobiles".

The Cold War from Stalin to Gorbachev

"A Failed Empire" is a valuable addition to our understanding of Soviet history and the complexities of state collapse. The book is solid in exploring the internal contradictions and external pressures that undermined the Soviet system. Zubok draws upon recently declassified Politburo records, ciphered telegrams, diaries, and taped conversations to offer a fresh and nuanced understanding of the Cold War. The book expertly analyzes economic stagnation, political paralysis, national conflicts, and ideological fatigue as key internal challenges that weakened the legitimacy and coherence of the Soviet state and provide a more balanced account of the Cold War. It is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining insight into the Soviet perspective during this pivotal era. Review AI-assisted.