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.