A revised and expanded version of Colton's earlier work, noted in Foreign Affairs, Fall 1984, bringing the story through the first years of Gorbachev's leadership. Clear, precise and judicious, it is an excellent introduction to the U.S.S.R. of today. As before, the author sees a real possibility of what he calls "moderate reform," and also of a less dangerous U.S.-U.S.S.R. relationship, if both sides are willing to seize it.