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Controversially this book argues that the ruling party-state elite in the USSR itself moved to dismantle the old system. Topics discussed include:* the beginnings of economic decline in 1975* Gorbachev's efforts to democratize and decentralize* the complex political battle through which the coalition favouring capitalism took power* the flaws in economic policies intended to rapidly build capitalism* the surprising resurgence of Communism.Research includes interviews with over 50 former Soviet government and Communist party leaders, policy advisors, new private businessmen, trade union leaders and intellectuals.