Stealing the State: Control and Collapse in Soviet Institutions

by Steven L. Solnick
Stealing the State: Control and Collapse in Soviet Institutions cover
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  • ID: 11503
  • Added: 2026-03-09
  • Updated: 2026-03-09
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Gale · W Lerner · 2000-01-01
great 4.50

This is a gutsy book that attributes the collapse of the Soviet Union to the self-interested behavior of local officials. It offers a bold and unconventional explanation for the Soviet Union's downfall.

W Lerner's review praises the book for its bold and unconventional approach to explaining the collapse of the Soviet Union. Lerner highlights the book's focus on the self-interested behavior of local officials, which is often overlooked in traditional analyses. This perspective not only challenges conventional wisdom but also provides a more comprehensive understanding of the Soviet collapse. Lerner appreciates the book's ability to offer a fresh and innovative explanation for the Soviet Union's downfall. The reviewer also notes that the book's insights are particularly relevant in understanding the challenges faced by post-Soviet states today.

Quick quotes

    This is a gutsy book that attributes the collapse of the Soviet Union to the self-interested behavior of local officials.

    It offers a bold and unconventional explanation for the Soviet Union's downfall.

    This perspective not only challenges conventional wisdom but also provides a more comprehensive understanding.

Cambridge University Press · JP Arnason · 1999-01-01
intriguing 3.50

The collapse of Soviet institutions is likened to a colossal bank-run, where local officials rushed to claim their assets before the bureaucratic doors closed. This perspective offers a unique lens to understand the Soviet Union's downfall.

JP Arnason's review presents a compelling analogy for the collapse of Soviet institutions, comparing it to a massive bank-run. In this scenario, local officials, fearing the worst, hurried to secure their assets before the system completely failed. This analogy helps to illustrate the chaotic and rapid nature of the Soviet Union's disintegration. Arnason appreciates the book's innovative approach, which shifts focus away from traditional explanations like economic stagnation and instead highlights the role of self-interested officials. This perspective not only sheds light on the past but also offers valuable insights into how institutions can crumble under pressure.

Quick quotes

    The collapse of Soviet institutions is com- pared to a "colossal bank-run, in which local officials rushed to claim their assets before the bureaucratic doors closed.

    This perspective offers a unique lens to understand the Soviet Union's downfall.

    The book's innovative approach shifts focus away from traditional explanations.

JSTOR · T Kuzio · 1998-01-01
excellent 4.00

The book offers a fresh perspective on state-building from the ruins of the former USSR, focusing on the collapse of Soviet institutions. It challenges conventional wisdom and provides a nuanced understanding of the Soviet collapse.

T Kuzio's review highlights the book's unique contribution to the study of state-building and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Unlike many studies that focus on economic stagnation or political reforms, this book delves into the internal dynamics of Soviet institutions. Kuzio appreciates the book's ability to challenge conventional wisdom and offer a more nuanced understanding of the Soviet collapse. The reviewer also notes that the book's focus on the role of local officials and their self-interested behavior provides valuable insights into the broader process of state-building. This perspective is particularly relevant in understanding the challenges faced by post-Soviet states today.

Quick quotes

    The book offers a fresh perspective on state-building from the ruins of the former USSR.

    It challenges conventional wisdom and provides a nuanced understanding of the Soviet collapse.

    The book's focus on the role of local officials and their self-interested behavior provides valuable insights.

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