Collapse

The Fall of the Soviet Union

By: Vladislav M. Zubok

Narrated by: David de Vries

A major study of the collapse of the Soviet Union - showing how Gorbachev's misguided reforms led to its demise

In 1945, the Soviet Union controlled half of Europe and was a founding member of the United Nations. By 1991, it had an army four million strong, 5,000 nuclear-tipped missiles, and was the second biggest producer of oil in the world. But soon afterward, the union sank into an economic crisis and was torn apart by nationalist separatism. Its collapse was one of the seismic shifts of the 20th century.

Thirty years on, Vladislav Zubok offers a major reinterpretation of the final years of the USSR, refuting the notion that the breakup of the Soviet order was inevitable. Instead, Zubok reveals how Gorbachev's misguided reforms, intended to modernize and democratize the Soviet Union, deprived the government of resources and empowered separatism. Collapse sheds new light on Russian democratic populism, the Baltic struggle for independence, the crisis of Soviet finances - and the fragility of authoritarian state power.

©2021 Vladislav M. Zubok (P)2021 Tantor

One of the best books I’ve EVER read

I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child. This book makes it to my top-ten best books I’ve ever read or listened to in my entire life. Truly amazing! I’ve learned so much! A masterfully written, gripping narrative on the demise of the Soviet Union that is highly relevant for understanding today’s landscape.
My only wish is that professor Zubok would write a sequel on the 1990s…

A Detailed Depiction of the Collapse of the Soviet Union

Having grown up during the Cold War, and having visited Poland in Communist times, I was most interested in this topic. The author brought forward the importance of the personalities in Soviet Union and the West at this time. He included the economic situation of the Soviet Union as well. This book requires more reflection and further research to understand the collapse well. I am very happy to have taken the time this book required.

Incredibly detailed and gripping

This is truly an unparalleled account of the soviet collapse. The author provides accounts and insights never heard before. It sheds a clear light on the happenings of the time. I had to listen twice to ensure I could fully absorb it and it was a truly enjoyable audio book. the narratior did an excellent job as well. Highly recommended.

focuses on the politics leading up to the collapse

not five stars because I wish it could have gone into more detail about why Russia's economy was in the state it was and couldn't get turned around. I'm curious why we didn't send people in to help reform their economy like we previously did successfully for Japan

First Class

One of the best books I've ever read. A must read for those interested in a detailed analysis of the causes of the collapse of the USSR.