As Russia is in the throes of war, terrorism, and civil war, Russian dictator Vladimir Pitun flees to the Riviera, where he plots his return. Two vacationing journalists, Steven Smith and Pippa Tumblethwaite, stumble upon him in a casino in Nice. Hoping to follow in Lenin's triumphant footsteps, Pitun decides to return to Russia by train and invites the journalists to accompany him as his chroniclers. After several adventures, bizarre encounters, and intrigues en route, Smith and Tumblethwaite finally arrive in St. Petersburg, where they witness Pitun's last stand.
Alexander J. Motyl Book order (chronological)
This author delves into the complex political and social phenomena through his literary work. His writing is characterized by a deep insight into human psychology and historical contexts, often employing challenging yet rewarding narrative structures. He explores themes of identity, culture, and exile with a unique perspective that prompts readers to contemplate the intricacies of the world.
Nations in Transit 2004. Democratization in East Central Europe and Eurasia
- 666 pages
- 24 hours of reading
Nations in Transit is Freedom House's incisive and authoritative assessment of post-Communist reform in 27 countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. In this annual research effort, leading regional and country specialists review key indicators of democratization and the rule of law and present their findings through in-depth reports and comparative ratings that measure the state of electoral processes, civil society, independent media, governance, and corruption in each country under study. It is the only comprehensive, comparative, and multidimensional study of the post-Communist condition.
Thinking Theoretically about Soviet Nationalities
- 284 pages
- 10 hours of reading
In the wake of the Soviet Union's disintegration, the nationality question has assumed centre stage. This text aims to offer an insight into the conflict which rages widely across the fledgling post-Soviet nations.