The Last Day of the Soviet Union
The book centers on a events that lead up to the dissolution of Soviet Union and the birth of the Russian Federation. It focuses on the main characters, Gorbachev, Yeltsin and
their key leadership. Using the day Gorbachev resigned as the pivot, forward and back. Starting with the Dawn, he describes the USSR that Gorbachev ran, his relationship to Yeltsin and other
world leaders. Where they live, how they travel and details of their personal lives are described to give us a good sense of who they are as people and leaders influencing the peaceful transition
from a communist regime to a confederacy of countries.
There is little discussion of the economic drivers of this change or the new freedoms that are introduced with 'glasnost' and their affect on the actions. But these are mentioned as backdrops for
the decisions. You almost wonder how much of this change was the result of Gorbachev's leadership style and affinity to the West vice maneuver's by Yeltsin and needs of those in Russia.
You get the feeling that outside influence was being asserted to drive events. Its also interesting to see what has been done and how difficult it is to undo. For instance, close states like
Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine and their deep ties and the decisions that result. For instance, the current issues with Crimea are explained well in this discussion but also show
how popular opinion's change. At the time of this change, the people of Crimean Peninsula voted to stay with Ukraine rather than today's opinion to side with Russia.
In retrospect, looking at Russia today and Putin's leadership decisions. It seems that the decision was made more because the Russians didn't like Gorbachev and took drastic actions to dissolve a
confederation rather than focusing on reforms and working together. The damage is done, Putin seems to be reconstituting the country and its influence. I hope the foundation is there to
support it.
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