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.