by Ian Bremmer
First published 1990
The Soviet Union faces its greatest crisis as ethnic minorities across fifteen republics demand independence. Bremmer examines how decades of forced unity begin to unravel when Moscow's grip weakens. From Baltic states seeking freedom to Central Asian republics asserting cultural identity, the book traces how nationality conflicts threaten the world's largest country. Leaders in the Kremlin struggle to balance reform with control while local movements gain momentum. The analysis reveals how language policies, economic disparities, and historical grievances fuel separatist movements. Bremmer shows readers the complex forces tearing apart a superpower from within.
Genres: history, 20th-century, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: political-intrigue
Setting: Baltic States, Central Asia, Kremlin, Moscow, Russia
Period: 20th Century, 21st Century
Paperback · Stanford Univ Center for Russian &