In his new study, Kelley looks at the emergence of what Soviet theorists call a developed socialist society and at the recent political, economic, and social developments, up to and including those of the early days of the Gorbachev administration, that are contributing to this newest adaptation of Marxism-Leninism. His central premise is that the Soviet leadership, having arrived at a turning point created by the impact of the scientific and technological revolution, has recognized the inability of existing policies and institutions to meet the needs of a rapidly maturing system. Kelley finds that, both as a theoretical stage in the evolution toward communism and as a reflection of changes in Soviet society, the concept of developed socialism presents a picture of political and social modernization that is in many ways the counterpart of the Western theory of post-industrial society. He also notes a new, seemingly more flexible Soviet approach to ideology as such. The Soviets, he observes, look upon the theory of developed socialism itself as being in an evolving state, treating it as an open-ended model of future economic and social transformation whose outlines are only gradually becoming discernable.

This book traces the evolution of Soviet and East European responses to the multifaceted pressures of a rapidly changing world and looks at the implications of ideological developments in the Soviet bloc for economic reforms, general policymaking, and political and social change. The authors discuss the concept of developed socialism and its essential components as seen in communist societies; analyze current policy and likely future policy directions in the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Poland, and Yugoslavia in light of the concept; and assess the impact that ideological trends have had, and are likely to have, on the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in general.

"Focusing on the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic, this book places the Soviet development of Central Asia, and the Soviet hope for communism's bringing prosperity to a supposedly backward area, in global context"--

This book presents a narrative of one of the more interesting utopian experiments in comparative political and economic history: the first decade of the Soviet experience with socialism (1918-1928). Though historical and textual analysis, the book’s goal is to render this experience intelligible, to get at the meaning of the Soviet experience with socialism for comparative political economy today. The book examines the texts of Lenin, Bukharin, and other revolutionaries, as well as the interpretations of contemporary historians of the revolution and the writings of more recent interpreters of Soviet political and economic history. Arguing that the first three years of the Bolshevik regime (1918-1921) constitute an attempt to carry out the Marxian ideal of comprehensive central planning, and that the disastrous results, which all commentators agree occurred, were the inevitable outcome of this Marxian ideal coming into conflict with the economic reality of the coordination problem that all economic systems face, the book draws clear conclusions and elucidates the air of mystery that often surrounds the subject. Offering a radical challenge to contemporary comparative political economy at the level of high theory, applied research, and public policy, this book is appropriate for students and scholars interested in Marxism, economic history, political economy, and Austrian economics.

The Socialist Industrial State (1976) examines the state-socialist system, taking as the central example the Soviet Union – where the goals and values of Marxism-Leninism and the particular institutions, the form of economy and polity, were first adopted and developed. It then considers the historical developments, differences in culture, the level of economic development and the political processes of different state-socialist countries around the globe.

Anthology of essays comprising a comparison of politics and economics in socialist countries. Covers (1) theory, (incl. social indicators, classification schemes and models), (2) comparative political systems in Eastern Europe (incl. political parties, bureaucracy, cultural factors), (3) socialist economic systems (incl. aspects of the planned economy, trade, industrial policy, etc.), and (4) a view of the future.

Socialism, Democracy and Human Rights discusses the environment of Soviet socialist democracy. The viewpoint of human rights and the exercise of rights are evaluated in the perspective of Soviet Union. The book aims to guide the Soviet people in the practice of their rights, freedom, and duties as citizens. The text begins with some historical recollection. The spread of Leninism, the establishment of communist party, and members of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) are explained. The process on how a country became a member of the USSR is given in detail. The Bolshevik party is a group being led by Vladimir Lenin. The ideals and goals of Vladimir Lenin, being the leader of the USSR, are evaluated. The philosophy of Marxism is also a focus of the book. The book is a good source of historical data on the organization and administration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. It is intended for any reader interested in the history of the USSR.