Russia Goes Dry Alcohol, State and Society [Hardcover]

An interesting and informative look at the role of alcohol in Russian society and the Soviet leadership's attempt to stem alcohol abuse.After tracing the profound influence of alcohol throughout Russian history, this study of the Soviet leadership's attempt to eliminate alcohol abuse charts the campaign from its initiation under Mikhail Gorbachev to its disappointing aftermath in the postcommunist 1990s.After tracing the profound influence of alcohol throughout Russian history, this study of the Soviet leadership's attempt to eliminate alcohol abuse charts the campaign from its initiation under Mikhail Gorbachev to its disappointing aftermath in the postcommunist 1990s.Russians today are the world's heaviest drinkers. The consumption of alcohol permeates family life, shapes the economy, and plays an occasional but striking role in the political leadership. Russia Goes Dry is an entertaining and instructive study of the Soviet leadership's attempt to eliminate alcohol abuse. It traces the profound influence of alcohol through Russian history and charts the campaign from its initiation under Mikhail Gorbachev to its disappointing aftermath in the postcommunist 1990s. Attractively written and fully illustrated, this book offers a fascinating insight into modern Russian society.1. Russia, alcohol and politics; 2. A drunken society; 3. The campaign is launched; 4. The campaign advances; 5. The campaign retreats; 6. The impact of the campaign; 7. Russia, alcohol and the policy process. ...an excellent case study for political scientists and sociologists. Choice White has provided readers with an elegantly written study that is supplemented by contemporary posters and art work and greatly informative on the failed policy implementation of the late Soviet period. George E. Snow, Slavic Review As White writes in the preface: I have sought to examine the campaign from its origins, considering the social issues it sought to address, the manner in which it was devised, tl³