The Evolution of Communism: People, Parties and States in the Twentieth Century - Couverture souple

Westoby, Adam

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 0745602223 ISBN 13 : 9780745602226

Editeur : Polity Press, 1989

Synopsis

"The Evolution of Communism" forms a unique synthesis from the specialist literatures on 20th century communism. Organized thematically, it discusses the formative phases of Lenin's Bolshevik party and of subsequent communist parties, communism's spread, and its differing routes to power, the bases of communist parties' independence, and the deep divisions which have fractured world communism, the great variety of communisms and communists, the evolution of communist ideas and theories, the social character of communist states, communist crises and efforts at self-renewal. This book focuses on the variable, adaptive character of communist party organization, with its capacity to apply flexible policies and exploit widely different bases of support, and explores the connections between communism's methods when in quest of power and the distinctive character of communist states. Linking the mechanisms of communist rule to the structure of communist societies, it examines the long history of communist attempts at self-reform, culminating in the transformations now being overseen by Gorbachev in the Soviet bloc and Deng Xiaoping in China. This book will be of interest to undergraduates in international relations, Soviet studies, world politics, political economy and sociology and the interested general reader.

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

`The Evolution of Communism′ forms a unique synthesis from the specialist literatures on twentieth century communism. Organized thematically, it discusses: the formative phases of Lenin′s Bolshevik party and of subsequent communist parties; communism′s spread, and its differing routes to power; the bases of communist parties′ independence, and the deep divisions which have fractured world communism; the great variety of communisms and communists; the evolution of communist ideas and theories; the social character of communist states; communist crises and efforts at self–renewal. This book focusses on the variable, adaptive character of communist party organization, with its capacity to apply flexible policies and exploit widely different bases of support, and explores the connections between communism′s methods when in quest of power and the distinctive character of communist states. Linking the mechanisms of communist rule to the structure of communist societies, it examines the long history of communist attempts at self–reform, culminating in the transformations now being overseen by Gorbachev in the Soviet bloc and Deng Xiaoping in China. `The Evolution of Communism′ will be essential reading for students of politics and sociology. In addition, the book will be of interest to all those concerned with the nature and future of one of the most influential and powerful political forces of our times.

Biographie de l'auteur

Adam Westoby studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics, before working at the London School of Economics. He has researched and written on the social and economic effects of education, and on the history of communism, and is a founding member of the Polish Solidarity Campaign. His publications include`Communism since World War II′ and the English edition of Bruno Rizzi′s `The Bureaucratization of the World′

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Polity Press
• Date d'édition: 1989
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0745602223
• ISBN 13: 9780745602226
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 280
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible