Gorbachev's U. S. S. R.

Since his appearance on the political scene, Gorbachev has caused many to adjust their views of the Soviet Union and its leadership. Are the changes in public attitudes due to Gorbachev's personality, or is the USSR undergoing genuine transformation? Leading Sovietologists gathered at Boston University to evaluate the meaning of developments in the USSR and their impact on policy. Their findings should be required reading for every observer of international affairs. The consensus is that The Soviet Union if facing a systemic crisis, affecting ideology, leadership, economics and the feuding nationalities - with potential impact on the very foundation of the regime.