A Failed Empire

The Soviet Union in the Cold War from Stalin to Gorbachev

By Vladislav M. Zubok | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

In this widely praised book, Vladislav Zubok argues that Western interpretations of the Cold War have erred by exaggerating either the Kremlin’s pragmatism or its aggressiveness. 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 twentieth century. Using recently declassified Politburo records, ciphered telegrams, diaries, and taped conversations, among other sources, Zubok offers the first work in English to cover the entire Cold War from the Soviet side. A Failed Empire provides a history quite different from those written by the Western victors. In a new preface for this edition, the author adds to our understanding of today’s events in Russia, including who the new players are and how their policies will affect the state of the world in the twenty-first century.

Editions of A Failed Empire

Paperback
ISBN 9780807859582
EBook
ISBN 9781469606033
EBook
ISBN 9780807899052
EBook
ISBN 9798893134285
PDF
ISBN 9798890885357

Read an Excerpt

In this widely praised book, Vladislav Zubok argues that Western interpretations of the Cold War have erred by exaggerating either the Kremlin’s pragmatism or its aggressiveness. 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 twentieth century. Using recently declassified Politburo records, ciphered telegrams, diaries, and taped conversations, among other sources, Zubok offers the first work in English to cover the entire Cold War from the Soviet side. A Failed Empire provides a history quite different from those written by the Western victors. In a new preface for this edition, the author adds to our understanding of today’s events in Russia, including who the new players are and how their policies will affect the state of the world in the twenty-first century.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Failed Empire about?

In this widely praised book, Vladislav Zubok argues that Western interpretations of the Cold War have erred by exaggerating either the Kremlin’s pragmatism or its aggressiveness. 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 twentieth century. Using recently declassified Politburo records, ciphered telegrams, diaries, and taped conversations, among other sources, Zubok offers the first work in English to cover the entire Cold War from the Soviet side. A Failed Empire provides a history quite different from those written by the Western victors. In a new preface for this edition, the author adds to our understanding of today’s events in Russia, including who the new players are and how their policies will affect the state of the world in the twenty-first century.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Failed Empire?

History and Archaeology > History > European history

Where can I read a sample of A Failed Empire?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807859582

How long is A Failed Empire and how many pages does it have?

A Failed Empire has 504 page(s)

Is A Failed Empire part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series New Cold War History

Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Failed Empire?

Vladislav M. Zubok

Who is the Publisher of the book A Failed Empire?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

A Failed Empire is available as paperback(ISBN 9780807859582) and ebook(ISBN 9781469606033) and ebook(ISBN 9780807899052) and ebook(ISBN 9798893134285) and pdf(ISBN 9798890885357)

Where can I buy A Failed Empire online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy A Failed Empire?