L.G. Churchward - Böcker

Contemporary Soviet Government (1975) is a leading study of the practice of Soviet government, examined against a background of Soviet Marxism. It presents an analysis of the Soviet political system since the death of Stalin, and places considerable emphasis on the role of state, as distinct from Party, organisations – as the author contends that these are more important than commonly realised in the West.

Contemporary Soviet Government (1975) is a leading study of the practice of Soviet government, examined against a background of Soviet Marxism. It presents an analysis of the Soviet political system since the death of Stalin, and places considerable emphasis on the role of state, as distinct from Party, organisations – as the author contends that these are more important than commonly realised in the West.

Soviet Socialism (1987) is based on the author’s specialized knowledge of many aspects of Soviet politics, including local government, the Communist Party and the Soviet intelligentsia. Written originally after the death of Brezhnev, in the Andropov-Chernenko interregnum, the essays were revised to take account of the accession to power of Mikhail Gorbachev, and they cover a selection of interrelated themes drawn from Soviet politics and society. The detached view the author takes of the Soviet state presents a new and stimulating approach to Soviet studies.

Soviet Socialism (1987) is based on the author’s specialized knowledge of many aspects of Soviet politics, including local government, the Communist Party and the Soviet intelligentsia. Written originally after the death of Brezhnev, in the Andropov-Chernenko interregnum, the essays were revised to take account of the accession to power of Mikhail Gorbachev, and they cover a selection of interrelated themes drawn from Soviet politics and society. The detached view the author takes of the Soviet state presents a new and stimulating approach to Soviet studies.

The Soviet Intelligentsia (1973) is a valuable study of the composition and structure of the Soviet intelligentsia during the 1960s. It focuses in particular on the position of social scientists and the relationship between the intelligentsia and the Communist party. The book contains much original material drawn from Soviet newspapers, books and periodicals, and from the personal experiences of the author in the Soviet Union. It discusses the problem of defining the intelligentsia, their social spread, recruitment and training, as well as Soviet intellectual culture and lifestyles, the social and political roles of the intelligentsia and the likely future of this distinctive group in the Soviet system.