Summary: Publisher Summary 1 To explain the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Fowkes (history, U. of North London) embarks on a historical examination of the relationship between the central authorities of the Soviet Union and the largely non-Russian periphery. He draws on a wide range of sources to illustrate both the view from below, the view of the Soviet Empire's subjects, and the view from their communist rulers. The paradoxical efforts of Mikhail Gorbachev are addressed in detail. Also discussed is the Stalin era and its lasting impact, the evolution of Soviet nationality policy, and the failure of the August Coup. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.   Publisher Summary 2 This book tells the dramatic story of the unexpected disintegration of the Soviet Union. The author draws on a wide range of sources to illustrate the growth of national awareness among the many subject peoples, partly promoted by the actions of the communists themselves. He concludes that, the efforts of Mikhail Gorbachev to reform the state he initially controlled, undermined and eventually destroyed the mechanisms that held the non-Russians in check.   Publisher Summary 3 This book tells the dramatic story of the unexpected disintegration of the Soviet Union. The author draws on a wide range of sources to illustrate the growth of national awareness among the many subject peoples, partly promoted by the actions of the communists themselves. He concludes that, the efforts of Mikhail Gorbachev to reform the state he initially controlled, undermined and eventually destroyed the mechanisms that held the non-Russians in check.