Published 30 years after the end of the Soviet Union, this book follows the emergence of Russian capitalism and imperialism following that historic event. It also collects documents from a significant debate on the fall of the Soviet Union as it was taking place – a debate in which New Zealand socialists played a significant part on the world stage.

“The aborted Moscow coup of 19-21 August was so ill-conceived and executed that it almost didn’t happen. Yet it will be remembered as one of the decisive events in the history of the 20th century.”