Russia/USSR/Russia: The Drive and Drift of a Superstate

Moshe Lewin traces Russia's transformation from imperial state to Soviet superpower to post-Soviet nation across the 20th century. This historical analysis focuses on the social, political and economic forces that shaped these major transitions. The book examines key periods including the revolution, Stalin's industrialization drive, World War II, and the Cold War years through extensive archival research and demographic data. Lewin pays particular attention to the relationship between state bureaucracy and society, showing how administrative structures evolved and impacted governance. The narrative covers the dissolution of the USSR and emergence of modern Russia, analyzing the continuities and ruptures between these different incarnations of the Russian state. The work draws on official documents, statistics, and historical records to construct its account. Through this sweeping study, Lewin illustrates how Russia's unique development path and institutional legacies continue to influence its trajectory as a global power. The analysis reveals patterns in how Russian state authority has been exercised and challenged across different eras.

Readers found this book provided unique insights into Russia's institutional continuities from tsarist times through the Soviet period and into the post-Soviet era. Many noted Lewin's focus on bureaucratic structures rather than individual leaders. Readers appreciated: - Clear analysis of how Soviet bureaucracy evolved from tsarist roots - Documentation of the urbanization's impact on Russian society - Examination of persistent autocratic patterns Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Limited coverage of post-1991 period - Some repetition between chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (6 ratings) Reader quote: "Lewin shows how the USSR's bureaucratic machine grew increasingly rigid and self-serving over time, perpetuating many of the same problems that plagued the tsarist system." - Goodreads reviewer Note: Limited number of online reviews available for this academic text.

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🔹 Author Moshe Lewin was born in Vilnius in 1921 and personally experienced both Nazi and Soviet rule before becoming one of the world's leading scholars on Soviet history. 🔹 The book examines Russia across three distinct periods - the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and post-Soviet Russia - identifying recurring patterns in how the state exercises power. 🔹 Lewin coined the influential term "agrarian despotism" to describe how Russian rulers historically maintained control through their dominance over a peasant-based economy. 🔹 During his research, Lewin had unprecedented access to Soviet archives that were briefly opened after the USSR's collapse, allowing him to incorporate previously unavailable primary sources. 🔹 The book challenges the common view that Stalin's regime was a continuation of tsarist policies, instead arguing that Stalinism represented a distinct and more extreme form of state control.