Armageddon Averted: The Soviet Collapse, 1970-2000

by Stephen Kotkin
Armageddon Averted: The Soviet Collapse, 1970-2000 cover
Good Books rating 3.6
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Waterstones
Paperback • £15.99
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  • ID: 11491
  • Added: 2026-03-09
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-03-11
mixed 3.80

The book is not the most gripping narrative but merits reading for its academic perspective. It offers a unique view on the fall of the Soviet Union.

This Goodreads review acknowledges that 'Armageddon Averted' may not be the most engaging read due to its academic nature. However, the reviewer appreciates the book's merits, noting that it provides a valuable perspective on the fall of the Soviet Union. They suggest that while the narrative might not be as gripping as other accounts, the book's insights make it worth reading. The review highlights the importance of understanding the historical event through an academic lens, even if the storytelling is not as compelling.

Quick quotes

    Perhaps not the most gripping narrative on the fall of the Soviet Union (the author is an academic).

    Kotkin's book nonetheless merits reading because it provides a unique view.

    The discussion of the collapse of the Soviet Union was quite brief and felt like a summary.

Docs-Books · 2022-09-14
insightful 4.00

The book offers insights into Putin's thought process and the impact of the 1970-2000 period on Russia. It provides a concise and uncompromising history of the Soviet collapse.

This review from Docs-Books emphasizes the timely relevance of 'Armageddon Averted' in understanding current events, particularly the war in Ukraine. The reviewer highlights how Kotkin's book provides valuable insights into Putin's thought process and the lasting impact of the 1970-2000 period on Russia. They praise the book for its concise and uncompromising history of the Soviet collapse, suggesting that it offers a definitive account of one of the most significant historical events of the last fifty years. The review encourages readers to explore the book's insights, especially in the context of contemporary geopolitical issues.

Quick quotes

    With the war raging in Ukraine, Kotkin provides insights into Putin's thought process.

    This downfall was anything but inevitable, and Kotkin's book offers a compelling narrative.

    The book provides a concise, uncompromising history of the Soviet collapse.

The New York Times · 2002-01-20
critical 3.00

The book downplays key factors in the Soviet Union's collapse but provides a critical perspective on the event. It offers a broader critique of the author's work, highlighting the importance of overlooked elements.

This review from The New York Times delves into a broader criticism of Kotkin's work, specifically how 'Averting Armageddon' minimizes the significance of two crucial factors in the Soviet Union's downfall. The reviewer suggests that while the book provides valuable insights, it falls short in acknowledging the full scope of the collapse. They argue that understanding these overlooked elements is essential for a comprehensive grasp of the historical event. The review encourages readers to consider these criticisms while still appreciating the book's contributions to the discussion.

Quick quotes

    This relates to a broader criticism of Kotkin's work.

    ''Averting Armageddon'' plays down the importance of two vital factors in the Soviet collapse.

    The book provides a critical perspective on the event but overlooks key elements.

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