The withering away of the totalitarian state-- and other surprises

In these fascinating critiques on the dramatic developments set in motion by the perestroika revolution, the author analyzes the attempts to transform Soviet-style communism from within and their momentous consequences throughout the world. With her realistic understanding of Communist ideology and her broad personal experience with foreign leaders and foreign policy, the author offers unique insights into the impact of change not only in the USSR but also in Germany, Poland, and Hungary, as well as Nicaragua, Cuba, Angola, and other third world nations. Regional conflicts, summitry and arms control, and relations with between the United States and its allies are among the many topics discussed in this volume. -- from Back Cover.