Current Digest USSR Today Series

This collection includes the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth editions of The USSR Today. The publications feature English translations of Soviet press articles on a broad range of issues – from the economy, energy, agriculture, and foreign affairs to cultural and social issues – that were published previously without commentary or elaboration in weekly issues of The Current Digest of the Soviet Press. Designed to provide Western audiences detailed insight into life in the USSR between 1977 and 1991, the articles in these editions are grouped by topic into sections that include an introduction that puts the press materials in context. Each article is followed by the original Soviet publication date and the volume, number, and page of the issue of the Current Digest in which it appeared.

See below for individual title information.

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The USSR Today: Perspectives from the Soviet Press (Fifth Edition)

1981, 241 pages
Most of the articles were originally published between 1977 and 1981. Topics covered include party, state and ideology; demography; the economy; agriculture; energy and resources; the environment; challenges of a changing society; literature and the arts; and foreign affairs. This edition also includes the text of the USSR Constitution and a section on Who’s Who of the Politburo.
The USSR Today: Perspectives from the Soviet Press (Sixth Edition)

1985, 313 pages
Most of the articles in this edition were originally published between 1981 and 1984. In a few instances we have reprinted earlier articles from the 5th edition because there were no adequate recent materials on certain subjects. Topics covered include party, state and ideology; demography; the economy; agriculture; energy and resources; the environment; social issues; family and Soviet youth; education; public health; literature and the arts; nationalities; and religion.
The USSR Today: Perspectives from the Soviet Press (Seventh Edition)

1988, 187 pages
The articles in this seventh edition are all from the Gorbachev era—primarily 1986-1988—with emphasis on the latest reforms. This publication includes extensive coverage of the economic and political reforms of Perestroika; glasnost and society; and changes in culture and the arts.
The USSR Today: Perspectives from the Soviet Press (Eighth Edition)

1991, 180 pages
The articles in this eighth edition are drawn primarily from the period 1988-1991 and cover events through mid-July of the latter year. Topics covered include economic reform; politics; the decline of the Communist party; nationalities; social problems; culture and the arts; and coming to terms with history.

Related Resources

Current Soviet Policies Series
Current Digest Soviet/Russian Foreign Policy Today Series
Current Digest Soviet/Russian Domestic Policy Series

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