Ukraine: Perestroika to Independence FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Ukrainian vote for independence in December 1991 effectively ended the existence of the Soviet Union, and propelled one of Europe's submerged nations on to the world stage. The study of nationalities and nationalism in the former Soviet Union is incomplete without a survey of developments in the second largest republic and one of the most important states to have emerged from the ruins of the USSR in an unstable and under-researched region of Europe. Ukraine, a country the size of France in land and population, will play an increasingly important role in regional and world affairs as a new military and potential economic power. This book is the first to survey the entire range of developments in the fields of politics, society, independent parties, the Communist Party, independent media, foreign and military affairs on the road to independence, using primary official, samizdat and other sources. The main theme of the book is the transition in Ukraine from the policies of perestroika and glasnost, first introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev, to the ultimate break with Moscow that brought an end to both the Soviet empire and his own career.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Analyzes events leading up to Ukrainian independence. Examines theoretical work on the development of nationalism, particularly on the role of the intelligentsia and state elites, then discusses specific weaknesses of the Ukrainian national movement and examines state and dissident politics in the postwar period. Traces the slow rise of opposition politics during the early Gorbachev era, discusses the turning point of the 1990 republican elections in Ukraine, and describes the transition period of 1990-91. Describes the failure of the August 1991 coup and shows how Ukrainian independence helped bring an end to the old USSR. Author information is not given. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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