Soviet Dissent in Historical Perspective

This work examines the dissent movement in the Soviet Union, analyzing historical and geographical factors that fostered autocratic rule and tracing the roots of dissent from tsarist to Soviet Russia.

Soviet Dissent in Historical Perspective offers a comprehensive examination of the dissent movement within the broader context of modern Russian history. Professor Shatz meticulously outlines the historical and geographical factors that contributed to the establishment of autocratic governance in Russia. By tracing the roots of dissent from both the tsarist era and the Soviet period, the author provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding opposition to the state.

The book delves into the relationship between the Russian government and the educated classes, spanning from the reign of Peter the Great to the early 1980s. Shatz argues that the educated elite played a crucial role in the emergence of dissidents throughout this timeline. By emphasizing autobiographical and literary sources, he seeks to uncover the personal motivations behind dissent, exploring the family backgrounds, educational experiences, and life circumstances that shaped these individuals into nonconformists and rebels.

Divided into two main sections, the first half of the book presents a historical overview, covering Russia from Peter the Great to Stalin. The latter half focuses on the evolution of Soviet dissent following Stalin's death, illustrating how it, while unique, was also a continuation of long-standing patterns in Russian history. Through this examination, Shatz illustrates that the dissent movement was not an isolated phenomenon but rather a reflection of deeper historical currents in Russian society.