The August Coup by Robert Service review – the drink-soaked collapse of the Soviet Union

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of a 74-year reign of Marxist-Leninist rule in Russia. In his new book, “The August Coup,” historian Robert Service offers a detailed and engaging account of this pivotal period.

One of the most striking aspects of the Soviet collapse is its speed. The coup against Mikhail Gorbachev, led by KGB boss Vladimir Kryuchkov, lasted just three days before it fizzled out. This rapid collapse suggests that the underlying rot had already set in, and the regime’s foundations were more fragile than often assumed.

Service argues that the system’s collapse was not solely due to external pressures or internal decay but rather a combination of both. The loss of Eastern Europe and Soviet satellites in 1989 weakened the USSR’s grip on its periphery, while Gorbachev’s reforms created an environment in which opposition forces could mobilize against the regime.

Boris Yeltsin played a significant role in this period, maintaining a degree of autonomy from Gorbachev’s weakening control as president of the Russian Republic. However, his personal vulnerabilities and weaknesses, including his notorious love of vodka, made him an unlikely hero of the coup.

The aftermath of the August Coup saw Russia embark on a tumultuous journey towards democracy, marked by periods of progress and regression. The country eventually settled into a form of autocracy under Vladimir Putin, who has overseen a highly contested war with Ukraine.

Service’s book offers valuable lessons for those interested in understanding the dynamics of regime change and the fragility of even the most powerful systems. One key takeaway is that the collapse of a major power often involves multiple factors and contingencies over time.

The August Coup can be seen as a microcosm of larger trends – the end of an era, the decline of a superpower, and the emergence of new global forces. As we navigate our complex world, it’s essential to remember that even the greatest empires are not immune to the ravages of time and internal decay.

The story of Yeltsin’s famous speech from a tank in front of the White House is often cited as a key moment in Russia’s transition. However, Service’s account reveals the more nuanced reality – that even seemingly heroic figures can be flawed, and regime change is rarely clean or straightforward.

Service’s portrayal of this pivotal moment offers a rich and insightful look at one of the most significant events in modern history. By examining the complexities of the Soviet collapse, he reminds us that even the greatest empires are vulnerable to time and internal decay – and that the lessons of the past remain essential for navigating our uncertain future.

The legacy of the Soviet Union remains a crucial part of our shared global heritage. By studying this fascinating and tumultuous period, we can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of regime change – and the enduring fragility of even the most powerful systems.