Russia in Search of Itself

Billington examines the changes that have occurred in the former Soviet Union over recent years and argues the neccesity of the USA and other Western powers making positive economic, political, strategic and cultural responses to the new circumstances. Billington was in Russia at the time of the coup in August 1991. The events and attitudes he witnessed during the crisis convinced him that the Russian people had at last found the confidence and hope to act for freedom. However, he warns, despite their humiliation in 1991, the Old Guard should not be underestimated. If the new experiment with democracy founders, they will be ready to reassert their hegemony. Hence the need for democratic governments throughout the world to act now to ensure that democracy does survive its birth throes and becomes established throughout the CIS.