Russia's Workers in Transition—Labor, Management, and the State Under Gorbachev and Yeltsin

Compares the policies of Gorbachev and Yeltsin as each tried to come to grips with the Soviet economic legacy, and reexamines established assumptions of post-communist transition theory. Focuses on the organization and activism of the Russian working class, and argues that the labor movement under Gorbachev was as crucial for the destruction of communism as were nationalist revolts. Shows how Yeltsin's policies weakened the movement and prevented democratic control, resulting in economic chaos. The author teaches political science at Syracuse University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Paul T. Christensen is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Syracuse University.