Can Russia Change?

Title: "Can Russia Change? The USSR Confronts Global Interdependence"

Author: Walter C. Clemens Jr.

Publication Details:

• First Published: 1990 (Routledge Revivals edition first published in 1989)
• Publisher: Unwin Hyman (Boston & London)

Key Themes:

1. Global Interdependence: The book explores how the Soviet Union (USSR) was grappling with the challenges of global interdependence, a concept that was becoming increasingly relevant in the late 20th century.
2. Foreign Policy Change: It examines the central questions facing Western policymakers regarding the potential for change in Soviet foreign policy.
3. Capacity for Change: The author seeks to determine whether contemporary Russia had the capacity to change and what implications such changes might have.

Plot Summary: The book delves into the complexities of Soviet foreign policy and its potential for adaptation in a world where global interdependence was growing. It discusses various factors that could influence Soviet policy, including economic, political, and ideological considerations. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the Soviet Union's position in the international arena and how it might evolve in response to global pressures and opportunities.

Critical Reception:

• Academic Praise: The book has been recognized as a groundbreaking work in the field of international relations. It is considered essential reading for understanding post-Soviet Russia and America's role in shaping its trajectories.
• Book Reviews: The book received positive reviews, with critics noting its thorough examination of the Soviet Union's confrontation with global interdependence. It was praised for its insightful analysis and its relevance to policymakers and scholars alike.

Author's Background: Walter C. Clemens Jr. is an associate at the Harvard University Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Boston University. He has written extensively on U.S. relations with Russia and China, and his work has been recognized for its depth and relevance in the field of international relations.