Building Socialism
The Communist Party and the Making of the Soviet System, 1921–1941
Author: Yiannis Kokosalakis Series: New Studies in European History
Provides the first detailed examination of rank-and-file communist party activism as an element of governance in the Soviet system.
Provides the first detailed examination of rank-and-file communist party activism as an element of governance in the Soviet system, offering an empirical account of the bottom level of the apparatus of the Soviet Communist Party in its formative years.
Paperback
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
Provides the first detailed examination of rank-and-file communist party activism as an element of governance in the Soviet system.
Provides the first detailed examination of rank-and-file communist party activism as an element of governance in the Soviet system, offering an empirical account of the bottom level of the apparatus of the Soviet Communist Party in its formative years.
Description
By placing the party grassroots at the centre of its focus, Building Socialism presents an original account of the formative first two decades of the Soviet system. Assembled in a large network of primary party organisations (PPO), the Bolshevik rank-and-file was an army of activists made up of ordinary people. While far removed from the levers of power, they were nevertheless charged with promoting the Party's programme of revolutionary social transformation in their workplaces, neighbourhoods, and households. Their regular meetings, conferences and campaigns have generated a voluminous source base. This rich material provides a unique view of the practical manifestation of the Party's revolutionary mission and forms the basis of this insightful new narrative of how the Soviet republic functioned in the period from the end of the Russian Civil War in 1921 to its invasion by Nazi Germany in 1941.
Critic Reviews
'A seminal work that significantly contributes to our understanding of the Soviet Union. It offers a fresh perspective on the Communist Party's role in Soviet society, emphasising the importance of grassroots activism and challenging conventional narratives about the nature of Soviet governance. Kokosalakis' thorough research, insightful analysis and compelling narrative make this book an invaluable resource for scholars and students of Soviet history and socialism …' Giannis Lainas, Europe-Asia Studies
'… the thesis is novel and well argued.' Jonathan Daly, SEER
About the Author
Yiannis Kokosalakis is a Research Fellow in the Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology at Bielefeld University. His research focuses on the history of the socialist states of the twentieth century and the experience of revolutionary movements in government and has published a number of articles on Soviet labour relations, ideological instruction, and political reform. He has held a European Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship and received a National University of Ireland Early Career Award for his work.
Product Details
Returns
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.
Browse by category
- Books » Non-Fiction » History » World & General History
- Books
- Books » Non-Fiction
- Books » Non-Fiction » History
- Books » Non-Fiction » Politics & Social Sciences » Politics & Government » Ideologies & Doctrines » Marxism & Communism
- Books » Non-Fiction » Politics & Social Sciences
- Books » Non-Fiction » Politics & Social Sciences » Politics & Government
- Books » Non-Fiction » Politics & Social Sciences » Politics & Government » Ideologies & Doctrines
- Books » Non-Fiction » Politics & Social Sciences » Politics & Government » Ideologies & Doctrines » Socialism
- Books » Non-Fiction » Politics & Social Sciences » Politics & Government » Activism
- Books » Non-Fiction » History » Europe
