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.
- ISBN10 0029035155
- ISBN13 9780029035153
- Publish Date 1 September 1992
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Simon & Schuster
- Imprint The Free Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 140
- Language English