Soviet Union 2000: Reform or Revolution?

Even if the Soviet Union eventually permits full cultural freedom, Laqueur ( The Long Road to Freedom ) is pessimistic about the prospects for political freedoms: ``The most that can be expected is a policy of little steps forward.'' Other contributors to this volume are equally cautious. Paul Goble, former Soviet specialist in the U.S. State Department, argues that Moscow might grant the Baltic republics independence while stepping up repression against other rebellious nationalities. Kremlinologist Edward Luttwak weighs how the U.S. should respond to Gorbachev's planned military reductions. Princeton historian Arthur Waldron predicts that both the U.S.S.R. and China will face government insolvency and mass poverty in the decade ahead. Massive unemployment and economic stagnation are seen as immediate threats facing the Soviet Union. These detailed essays have the flavor of top-level think-tank briefings. (July)