Communist Regimes in Comparative Perspective

This work adopts a comparative, developmental approach in tracing the evolution of the Soviet, Chinese and Yugoslav regimes from their respective revolutions to the present day period of change. While taking account of the importance of specific national conditions, Peter Ferdinand identifies common phases in the development of the three systems: post-revolutionary national reconciliation; the 'socialist' transformation of the means of production; the growing divergence of national roads to socialism, and the current mounting pressures for reconstruction and democratization. Throughout, emphasis is placed on economic and social policies as well as political institutions and processes. The book compares the recent popular pressures for change and the official responses of 'restructuring.' Essential reading for all students and researchers of comparative and communist politics.