This volume assesses contemporary Soviet domestic and foreign policy and surveys the traditions, challenges, and contexts within which the Soviet leadership was operating. General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev is generating ferment at home and anticipation abroad about the prospects for change in Soviet policy. Western analysts can provide only an i

Many people have been instrumental in helping see this book through to completion. First, I want to thank Robbin Laird, not only for his professional encouragement over the years, but especially for his suggestion to do this book in the first place. Nor would this effort have been possible--or nearly as enjoyable-- without the support and friendship of Susan McEachern. I would also like to thank Jackie Evans for her assistance in helping to prepare the manuscript.