How could the West have better prepared for the fall of communism and gained a clearer picture of Russia's new political landscape? By cultivating awareness of the abiding democratic aspirations of the Russian people. Petro traces the history of those aspirations, exposing Russia's involvement in the democratic quest at the heart of Western values.

us to Russia's historical involvement in the democratic quest that lies at the heart of Western values, Petro opens a path for a more meaningful, more productive understanding of modern Russia.