The demise of the Soviet Union is many times explained in simplistic terms, but what did you learn about the internal contradictions of the Soviet Union, which led to its demise? Explain the impact of Stalinism and the reaction from Khrushchev to Gorbachev in an attempt to save the system.
According to the readings, what are the central ideological tenets which guided the formation of the Soviet Union? How do they differ in comparison to liberal pluralism?