The Challenge of Revolution

Contemporary Russia in Historical Perspective

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory, History
Cover of the book The Challenge of Revolution by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia ISBN: 9780191608223
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: February 22, 2001
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
ISBN: 9780191608223
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: February 22, 2001
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

This volume provides an challenging and controversial explanation of the recent events in Russia. It examines the causes, processes, and consequences of Russia's recent political development. Drawing on, and criticizing the existing literature, the book also shows how the recent Russian experience casts light on general theories of revolution and comparative political developments. The transformation in Russia is usually compared with transformations in other post-communist countries. The authors argue that the Russian transformation should be explained in the logic of the great revolutions of the past such as the English Civil War, the French Revolution, and the Bolshevik Revolution. The difficulties and inconsistency of Russian reforms are usually explained as a result of mistakes made by reformers. This book argues, however, that these problems should be considered as a natural consequence of the 'weak state'. In revolution the weakness of state power is inevitable (resulting from social fragmentation, property rights transformation, changes in the interests of different social groups). Hence, the authors argue that most of the transitional problems in Russia were unavoidable. The authors go on to argue that revolutions are usually considered as rapid change made through violence. However, the spontaneous character of change in the situation of a weak state is a much more important feature of any revolution than violence. The book contains unique interviews with four leaders of the Russian transformation - Mikhail Gorbachev, Alexander Yakovlev, Yegor Gaidar, and Gennadii Burbulis - as well as the personal experience of the authors, who were deeply involved in the practical process of Russian transformation.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This volume provides an challenging and controversial explanation of the recent events in Russia. It examines the causes, processes, and consequences of Russia's recent political development. Drawing on, and criticizing the existing literature, the book also shows how the recent Russian experience casts light on general theories of revolution and comparative political developments. The transformation in Russia is usually compared with transformations in other post-communist countries. The authors argue that the Russian transformation should be explained in the logic of the great revolutions of the past such as the English Civil War, the French Revolution, and the Bolshevik Revolution. The difficulties and inconsistency of Russian reforms are usually explained as a result of mistakes made by reformers. This book argues, however, that these problems should be considered as a natural consequence of the 'weak state'. In revolution the weakness of state power is inevitable (resulting from social fragmentation, property rights transformation, changes in the interests of different social groups). Hence, the authors argue that most of the transitional problems in Russia were unavoidable. The authors go on to argue that revolutions are usually considered as rapid change made through violence. However, the spontaneous character of change in the situation of a weak state is a much more important feature of any revolution than violence. The book contains unique interviews with four leaders of the Russian transformation - Mikhail Gorbachev, Alexander Yakovlev, Yegor Gaidar, and Gennadii Burbulis - as well as the personal experience of the authors, who were deeply involved in the practical process of Russian transformation.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book International Climate Change Law by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Occupiers' Liability by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Philosophy of Law: A Very Short Introduction by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book International Human Rights and Islamic Law by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Financial Systems in Developing Economies by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Oxford Studies in Epistemology Volume 6 by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book The Computer: A Very Short Introduction by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of the Georgian Theatre 1737-1832 by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Clinical Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book A Treatise on Northern Ireland, Volume I by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Motherhood and the Other by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Agricola and Germany by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Time for a Visible Hand by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Minority Accommodation through Territorial and Non-Territorial Autonomy by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
Cover of the book Coherence in EU Competition Law by Vladimir Mau, Irina Starodubrovskaia
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy