Gorbachev and Glasnost: Viewpoints from the Soviet Press

The editor, a Soviet-born scholar who is now director of the Bethesda Institute for Soviet Studies, selected these provocative articles from Soviet newspapers and magazines. Originally published in 1987 and '88, they are notable for their relative openness, although most writers hedge their bets. The first section, ``Reinterpretation of History,'' reevaluates former Soviet leaders, including Stalin, but the critiques are tempered. A chapter on ``Foreign and Military Issues'' includes an interview with a Soviet general who admits tactical mistakes, but fails to address the intrinsic morality of Soviet intervention. ``Economic Reforms'' covers corrupt officials, the black market and the limited introduction of free trade. Articles on rock groups, the environmental movement and a reactionary nationalist group are collected in ``Unofficial Groups and Soviet Youth,'' and ``National, Religious, and Social Issues'' frankly discusses drug abuse and alcoholism. The final section, ``Party Struggle and Political Reform,'' reprints a key 1988 exchange between conservatives and the champions of glasnost . (Oct.)