This series of classes will examine the present situation in Russia and the other republics of the former Soviet Union in the light of its turbulent history in the 20th century. Mass media and academic pundits present only sensationalized and distorted pictures designed to confuse their audience. Only a few years ago the Western (and Soviet) establishment hailed the collapse of the USSR and enthused about the wonders of the "free market". The reality has been nothing but disastrous.

We shall examine the long term trends since Gorbachev's first moves 14 years ago to dismantle the bureaucratically planned economy and integrate it into the world capitalist market.

Then we shall turn to a historical view of the dramatic developments of this country and try to answer questions: Why did the Russian Revolution occur? What were its driving forces and possible outcomes? What does Russia's development teach us about the fate of other backward countries struggling in the global economy, and about socialism in general?

• Jan. 5 What is really happening in Russia, Ukraine and the other states of the former Soviet Union?

What has changed in the lives of the people over the past decade? Workplaces, wages, housing, schools, social and cultural conditions, public health. What do people eat, read, watch? What about crime? Why Chechnia?
 
• Jan. 12 Causes of the Bolshevik Revolution

Czarist Russia and the problems of underdevelopment and imperialism. The Russian Marxist movement and the arguments over the coming revolution. Could Russia have avoided revolution? Did the Civil War have to be so bloody?
 
• Jan. 19 The Struggle of the Left Opposition - the alternatives to Stalinist dictatorship

The problems of a socialist party in power. Dictatorship of the working class or over the working class? National reforms or "permanent revolution"? Why Stalin? Why famines and forced collectivization? What about the Purges?
 
• Jan. 26 Stalinism versus Marxism: a balance sheet.

What does the Marxist program of world revolution mean? Why do we want socialism if capitalism is so good?

Suggested reading: World Socialist Web Site - wsws.org
Leon Trotsky - What is the USSR and where is it heading (Revolution Betrayed)