This critical study of one of the most significant recent developments in world history examines the new political style and mood which have emerged in the Soviet Union since the appointment of Gorbachev as secretary general of the Soviet Communist Party. It analyzes information which has recently come to light on Soviet society and culture - how the system is run and how citizens feel - and evaluates changes in Russian politics from the time of the Revolution to the present day. Walter Lacqueur is a distinguished European historian and interpreter of Russian history who has written many historical studies, including "Weimar Culture", "Young Germany", "Terrorism" and "The History of Zionism".