The New Russia by Mikhail Gorbachev (review)

In his latest memoir, The New Russia, Mikhail S. Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union, describes his experiences after his resignation in December 1991. Focusing mostly on his reactions to political developments within Russia and his world-wide public engagement through the Gorbachev Foundation, but including some glimpses into his personal life, Gorbachev emphasizes his unwavering commitment to his policies of Perestroika and his world outlook that he calls the New Thinking. Evenhanded and measured, the memoir places Gorbachev's concern for the Russian population, the rule of law, and the principles of democracy at the centre, offering a cautionary tale that speaks directly to contemporary issues.

Gorbachev divides his memoir into three sections. The first part covers Russia in the years immediately following the collapse of the Soviet Union under the leadership of Boris Yeltsin, from 1992 to 1998. The second part discusses Vladimir Putin's first terms as President of Russia beginning in 1999, including his years spent as Prime Minister, and ends with the elections in March 2012 that returned Putin to the Presidency. Part III examines the entire period more broadly, focusing on Gorbachev as a statesman and highlighting his relationships beyond Russia, his involvement with nuclear disarmament and poverty eradication, and his thoughts on globalization, nato expansion, and international relations.

Throughout the memoir, Gorbachev defends the correctness of his policies, noting both their incomplete implementation and their durability over time. The New Thinking of Perestroika, he asserts, is modern humanism, premised on the "recognition of the interconnection and interdependence of the world, of the indivisibility of global security, of the importance of universal human values and interests" (294). He maintains that these principles can only be achieved through gradual reforms applied using democratic means, with free elections and transparent governments. Gorbachev also argues for a strong state that has the power and authority to implement regulations, but remains at the same time accountable to the people. He embraces the concept of national sovereignty within a broader system of global cooperation, and decries the disparities and abuses that accompany globalization. He also strikes at the unilateral nature of American actions on the world stage, arguing for cooperation and the need to recognize others', and particularly Russia's, legitimate perspectives. Indeed, in this regard, Gorbachev provides an alternative view regarding Russia's place in world affairs than is typically understood in the West. His emphasis on the Russian viewpoint, particularly regarding European relations, nato expansion, and the recent Ukrainian crisis, serves as an effective reminder about why the West should not and cannot dictate international relations.

Throughout the memoir, Gorbachev expresses frustration with the governments of Yeltsin and Putin, but also hope for Russia's future. He describes the rapid changes that created chaos and instability for ordinary people, and the government's abandonment of democracy, independent media, and free elections, which he argues have not occurred since 1989 and 1990. Indeed, as a candidate himself in the 1996 Presidential elections, Gorbachev witnessed first-hand how Yeltsin's government employed financial resources and media domination to ensure the election outcome it desired. When Putin came to power in 1999, Gorbachev supported him, recognizing the difficult challenges he faced to reform Russia. Although expressing concerns about Putin's authoritarian tendencies, the memoir nevertheless reveals Gorbachev's patience, his hopes for reform, and his recognition that many Russians have benefitted from Putin's policies. The parliamentary elections of 2011 and the subsequent treatment of all public activity as illegitimate political protest, however, clarified for Gorbachev that real and meaningful democracy, which included popular opinion, had been abandoned in Russia.

Despite his frustrations, Gorbachev remains convinced that his Perestroika policies were correct and can still be implemented. In this regard, the book could easily be subtitled "Memoirs of an Optimist." He concludes on a hopeful note: "An optimist is someone dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs who is not resigned to it and consciously looks … for opportunities to make the...