: He contends that Western historians often err by oversimplifying the Kremlin as either purely pragmatic or purely aggressive, failing to see the complex "aspirations, illusions, and fears" of the Soviet elite.
: The book features an in-depth look at the "Soviet home front," detailing how societal stagnation and a loss of ideals among the elite contributed to the empire's failure. Where to Find the Book A Failed Empire: The Soviet Union in the Cold W...
: Zubok places significant responsibility for the Soviet collapse on Mikhail Gorbachev , arguing that his personal choices and idealism—rather than just U.S. pressure—inadvertently destroyed the state. : He contends that Western historians often err
: Zubok argues that Soviet foreign policy was driven by a tension between "revolutionary" communist ideology and traditional Russian "imperial" interests. pressure—inadvertently destroyed the state
is a widely acclaimed book by historian Vladislav Zubok , first published in 2007. It is considered a seminal work because it provides a comprehensive history of the entire Cold War strictly from the Soviet perspective , utilizing recently declassified Politburo records, telegrams, and diaries. Key Themes and Arguments