The Destruction of the Soviet Economic System: An Insider's History: An Insider's History

by Michael Ellman, Vladimir Kontorovich

The inside story of the political collpase of the Soviet Union is far better understood than the course of economic and social disintegration. In order to capture the story, the editors compiled a list of questions which they addressed to former top Soviet officials and economic and other policy advisors (both Soviet and foreign) who were privy not only to data on the functioning of the Soviet economy but also to the internal policy debate during the 1980s. This volume assembles the Informants' analyses of key issues and the turning points, and weaves them into a compelling history of systemic collapse. Among the topics investigated are: economic policies in the 1980s; the standard of living: the reliability of Soviet statistics; Gosplan's projections for the economy to the year 2000; was the arms race starving the civilian economy? the role of ideology in supporting the functioning of an economic system; the party's participating in economic management; the influence of foreign advisors; the struggle over a transition program; the functioning and collapse of the supply system, the CMEA, and the foreign trade system.

Genres: History, Economics, Soviet Union

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

Finally, scientific proof that the Russians were not stealing from the factory to have something to exchange on the free market for food, but it was carefully placed CIA operatives that were stealing factory equipment to bury it into the woods and make it look like Soviet era mass graves. Can hardly wait for the second volume that will prove Reptilian involvement in the conspiracy.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating because it captures amazing perspectives in an extraordinary moment. But not very coherently or compellingly structured. Can definitely be skimmed without losing much.