Based on new archival evidence and other heretofore unutilized or underutilized sources, this collection of essays examines the power structures, communication channels and mechanisms of decision-making within the Soviet political system. The book deals with both domestic and foreign policy problems. Special attention is focused on the era of Stalinism. The list of contributors includes some of the leading specialists within the field of Russian studies and the study of International Communism from Russia, the United States, Australia, Switzerland and Denmark.