The book examines the origins, development and contemporary significance of the Soviet doctrine of 'limited sovereignty' ('Brezhnev Doctrine'), with particular reference to the Doctrine's implications for the Soviet Union's relations with Eastern Europe. The author identifies and considers the multiple functions served by the Soviet Union's essentially dualistic or 'bi-axial' approach to sovereignty, which embraces notions derived from both general international law and from Soviet Marxist-Leninist doctrine. The book also includes a comparative analysis of the US 'Monroe Doctrine'. The author argues that, although in the Gorbachev era of 'new thinking', the Soviet doctrine of sovereignty may be developing a 'third axis', Western predictions of the imminent or actual demise of the 'Brezhnev Doctrine' are premature.

Beginning with Brezhnev era, the author follows the course and development of Soviet leadership--examining the elements of continuity as well as change. He zeroes in on each individual leader and analyzes the economic, social, and international issues faced by each. For instance, Kelly sets the stage for Andropov's succession, discusses strategies for his succession, details Andropov's rise to power, presents the premier's time in power, and finally examines Andropov's decline. Along with pinpointing individual instances of leadership, the author covers the role of the Communist party within Soviet politics, including the theory of party leadership and the reality of bureaucratic and administrative reform. He also discusses options for the new leadership, Soviet economy, class and social structure, and foreign policy.

This book is the first critical assessment of the likelihood and implications of such a contract. Linda Cook pursues the idea from Brezhnev's day to our own, and considers the constraining effect it may have had on Gorbachev's attempts to liberalize the Soviet economy.

Although the Soviet Union has the most abundant energy reserves of any country, energy policy has been the single most disruptive factor in its industry since the mid-1970s. This major case study treats the paradox of the energy crisis as an essential part of larger economic problems of the Soviet Union and as a key issue in determining the fate of the Gorbachev reforms. Originally published in 1989. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

This book describes the power base of each of the Soviet leaders and analyzes the steps they took to consolidate their positions and tighten controls over the bureaucracy and the military. It provides a detailed analysis of the hidden power struggle within the top Soviet leadership.

Leonid Brezhnev was leader of the Soviet Union for almost two decades when it was at the height of its powers. This book is a long overdue reappraisal of Brezhnev the man and the system over which he ruled. By incorporating much of the new material available in Russian, it challenges the received wisdom about the Brezhnev years, and provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of the twentieth century's most neglected political leaders.

Thoroughly revised and updated, this text offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the Soviet system from its rise in 1919 to the 1991 collapse.