Geoffrey Swain je profesorom pre ruské a východoeurópske štúdie na univerzite v Glasgowe. Jeho práca sa zameriava na politické a vojenské dejiny 20. storočia. Jeho odbornosť spočíva v analýze medzinárodných vzťahov a vplyvu politických ideológií na historický vývoj.
Psát o historii vlastně znamená procházet minulost ve snaze dobrat se hlubšího smyslu. Při sestavování Stručných dějin převratných změn, které se odehrály v Rusku v období mezi únorem 1917 a červnem 1918, bylo nevyhnutelně nutné mnoho věcí vynechat. Přesto však i Stručné dějiny zákonitě musí poskytnout několik vodítek, která napomohou při bloudění spletitým labyrintem Ruské revoluce. Nabízená interpretace je jednoduchá a zahrnuje dvě hlediska. …..
Geoffrey Swain's study repositions Leon Trotsky as a pivotal figure in the Russian Revolution, challenging the polarized views of both his supporters and opponents. By examining Trotsky's contributions, the author highlights his adherence to Leninist principles and critiques the narratives that portray him as a traitor. This comprehensive analysis delves into the complexities of Trotsky's political ideology and his significant influence during a transformative period in Russian history, offering a nuanced perspective on his legacy.
Focusing on Latvia's tumultuous history from the onset of World War II to 1947, the book delves into the impacts of Stalinist policies, Nazi expansionism, and local nationalist tensions. It highlights the specific region of Daugavpils, where residents faced the stark choice between Hitler and Stalin, embodying the ideological conflict between fascism and communism. The narrative explores the complexities of political annihilation, collectivization, and the rise of anti-Semitism, providing a detailed account of a community grappling with profound historical challenges.
In 1917 revolutionary fervour swept through Russia, ending centuries of imperial rule and instigating political and social changes that would lead to the formation of the Soviet Union which eventually became the worlds first communist state. Geoffrey Swain provides a concise yet thorough overview of the revolution and the path to civil war for the 100th anniversary of the revolution.
The narrative explores the intense conflicts faced by the Red Army during its inaugural major war, highlighting their struggles against both domestic foes and an invading coalition of 10,000 Western soldiers in the harsh Siberian and Ukrainian landscapes. The book vividly depicts the brutal nature of warfare, characterized by siege tactics and the use of armored trains, while contrasting the unique land battles in Eastern Europe with those in the West, foreshadowing the challenges that would later confront the Nazis.
Focusing on Trotsky's years in power, this biography provides a nuanced portrayal of his life, revealing a complex figure marked by both human qualities and ruthless ambition. It explores his vital role in the October Revolution, the Civil War, and the establishment of the Soviet state, utilizing previously unexplored archival materials. The analysis includes Trotsky's theory of permanent revolution, his military organization of the Red Army, and his fraught relationships with Lenin and Stalin, ultimately highlighting his misinterpretations of post-revolutionary dynamics.
Substantially expanded and rewritten, this new edition takes into account the momentous changes since the first edition was published in 1992. With several Central European states joining the European Union, the authors set the historical context in which, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe is itself increasingly dividing into two blocks: those where democracy and pluralism appear firmly established, and those where they do not.
Focusing on the pivotal period from February 1917 to November 1918, this study delves into the origins of the Civil War within the context of revolutionary Russia. It analyzes the motivations of anti-Bolshevik insurgents while highlighting how the fear of civil war influenced the actions of the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks. By unraveling the intricate motives behind the conflict, it challenges the simplistic view of the war as a mere clash between revolutionaries and counter-revolutionaries.
This concise, approachable introduction to Khrushchev explores the innovative theme of Khrushchev as reformer, arguing that the 'bumbling' nature of those reforms only partly reflected Khrushchev's uncertainty about how to act. Swain provides a cogent account of Khrushchev's political career and of his wider role in Soviet and world politics.