A well-orchestrated, detailed recount of the history and the evolution of communist ideology.

This is quite possibly the most well-researched, non-biased technical breakdown of this topic that I have found thus far, and is perfect for the studying Historian, or for the casual learner seeking to understand how we got to the political climate we face today.

I find that locating information seeking to understand the polarity in ideology between Western capitalists and international communist ideals is difficult to find, and often focuses on points critically condemning communism and only so. While I understand how this came to be after the heated climate of the Cold War, it doesn't help to fully understand the complete picture. That is where this book is so beautifully done.

This book bridges the connection between the use of communist-Marxist ideals and the evolution of the modern dictator / authoritarian. I consider this a vital resource to anyone seeking to understand the world (particularly outside Western capitalistic societies) on a deeper ideological level, and so perhaps you can develop thoroughly educated opinions in the fields of politics and global matters.

I received this e-book from NetGalley and the publisher Basic Books. Thank you for proving this title in exchange for an honest review. As a studying Historian and collector of important books, I will be purchasing a physical copy for my library when it is published later this year.

Thank you to the author Sean McMeekin for taking the time to research and release such a detailed resource as well.

Good 'warts and all' assessment of global communism that captures the socialist idealism and the totalitarian impulse in various national communist movements. Particularly strong analysis of the collapse of the USSR, the various strands of agrarian communism, and a compelling argument for the continued relevance and evolution of the ideology in a globally precarious world.