In Russia, both rulers and ruled have long endeavoured to transform their country, each in their own forcible way. Their efforts never quite seemed to bring the results hoped for, and despite reform and revolution some things have changed very little. This book sets out to relate Russian tradition and circumstances to the events of history, and to encourage readers to seek their own explanation of the country's paradox. The 4th edition of this introduction to modern Russian history has been completely revised and updated, with a new chapter on the most recent developments in the former Soviet Union. It should be of interest to 6th form and 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students of modern Russian and European history, and of Soviet/post-Soviet politics.
