ebooks The New Russia by Mikhail Gorbachev in History

Review

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Gorbachev is still at it. His faith in humanity continues to fly.By Adhiratha Keefe. What comes across most clearly in Gorbachev’s latest book is his ideas and values... not just of the past; but also what to keep in one’s heart –beyond the short term interest of nation or individual. He continues to champion; good governance; transparency and high expectations for his country and all those nations that wish to not only survive but improve our world home. His personal experiences over the past fifty+ years; which he shares in this book gives some indication of why it is difficult to make substantial integrated progress. I was reminded of Sri Aurobindo Ghose’s book “The Ideal of Human Unity” written before 1918. It was an amazing critique of the major political systems being tried or proposed in the first part of that century. The author only had to update the introduction in 1950 after WW2. His earlier examples still illustrated that no system is perfect for all situations. For any approach to be ultimately sustainable there needs to unity but not crushing uniformity. There must be free expression for individual members and flexibility for the system to adjust. Otherwise an inner force (of creativity?) will attack the ridged structure from within or without.Gorbachev takes us from the 1950’s to the new century. Those interested in considering how to proceed in whatever system they find themselves (or are contemplating) would be well served by reading this book closely. He notes that always there are choices and learning can only take part when one patiently observes.The book concludes with an interview published in the Russian edition of Esquire; September 2012. His sweet and potent memories there of his main supporter; confidant and wife Raisa Maximovna says so much The final quote from Mikhail Gorbachev is “Life teaches you more than any teacher”M. Gorbachev points out where he and others missed opportunities to help his country make progress but his tone is always hopeful and looking to the future. He considers what can be learned and what can be applied to current situations. He concedes how unpredictable and different the results were from predicted outcomes. He is quite sure what won't work based on what has already been tried. The details of these hard lessons are filled with irony or graceful acceptance of the human foibles; such as when politicians made half public their plans but then not owned unintended consequences. He follows in many cases a timeline approach; using what he actually said in interviews and public statements at crucial junctures through the 50 years. This adds credibility to his accounts.He is not unkind to those who acted in good faith. But he has little appreciation for those who intentionally limited their countrymen’s freedom of choice - for their own short term gains. He has no sympathy for those who preyed on public trust to line their own pockets during the later economic “shock therapy” and monetarization of social services. These resulted in quick riches for a few and poverty for many. He is not a supporter of the elite in any system limiting general social supports so they have a disproportionate share of the common wealth.To me it seemed he was not just writing for his generation but for the younger ones who are willing to put their talents to the service of their country and the world’s long term progress. He shares how important it was for an earlier leader of USSR (Nikita Khrushchev) to begin the process of examining the excesses of the Stalin era. That helped open the door to some bright lights in his time to question and move their system.This book will be source for much discussion by those willing to seriously consider options and implications for current situations. At some points I needed to put it down to be able to absorb the important detailed lesson. in other cases; the pages flew by even though I knew the general outcome. Specifics behind certain historical events are fascinating. I remember some disingenuous headlines or editorials suggesting at the time that all could be explained in the capsulized cartoon like summary. So it is refreshing to hear what some key players and supporting participants were actually saying and doing. during that time frame.Gorbachev gives credit to the humanistic and socialistic beliefs that were part of the strength of USSR and still a potential support for Russia’s progress. He is also appreciative of the work of Thomas Jefferson; those involved in the “American Experiment” and of USA leaders in his lifetime such as President John F. Kennedy whose public inspiring statements encouraged him and others to work for a peaceful and cooperative worldKnowing this perspective and knowledge is available to those sincere individuals with responsibility for important decisions is helpful. Future leaders will inspire confidence; if like Gorbachev they make the effort to understand and share experience beyond their own countries and communities. His informed reflection gives solid and timely guidance for the ages.The second section of the book is called “Trying to Bury me” beginning with a humorous media incident he shows throughout why his critics have not succeeded.Here I was reminded that in 1996 the Minister of Culture from Turkey ; Talât Sait Halman; sent an encouraging sketch to the artist and philosopher Sri Chinmoy who had just created his 5 million Peace Bird Drawing. Ambassador Halman’s birds sketch was inscribed “With deep respect a flurry of birds for Sri Chinmoy of 5 million Birds ….’If it has FAITH; a buried bird Flies in the ground’".Critics have not and will not succeed in making the world forget his ideas in large part because of Gorbachev’s hope and FAITH. He continues to fly in our hearts and imagination not only because of his experience; integrity and ideals but most of all because of his abiding faith in the capacity of developing individuals and future generations to make better choices for the world’s progress.P.S. I really appreciate having the subject and name index at the end to check back on key points to revisit.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good points made in this book; warnings; reflections.By Cory CorwinGorbachev is the real leader who took down the Berlin wall; finally ended years of Soviet oppression and hatred only to be overthrown by people advocating democracy only for their own ends.Russia does not work like any western power; and this book explores that fact; with Gorbachev giving good explanations as to how and why the USSR fell apart; how it did; who took its place; and even how leaders like Putin grabbed power and corrupted a system that never had a chance to work well for 21st-century Russia.An intelligent and well-thought read.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This is a very important bookBy intellectual_omnivoreRead it. I would partner reading this book with my favorite book of all time (insofar as it is the most societally relevant book I know): https://smile..com/Failure-Nerve-Leadership-Age-Quick/dp/159627042X. Note: an updated version of the latter is coming out in May of 2017.The key takeaway for me is the importance of lowering systemic anxiety. Gorbachev was on the side of the angels; as much as one can expect a politician to be. He was overtaken by people who were sucked into anxiety about Russian society. Is the same thing happening right now in the United States and elsewhere in Europe (Germany; at the moment; being the exception)? Time will tell. The most important fight we have may be staying non-reactive; followed closely by cultivating concern for the greater and common good. Thank you for being a good representative of this approach and for many years of service to world peace; Mr. Gorbachev.