Secret Leviathan: Secrecy and State Capacity under Soviet Communism

The Soviet Union was a secretive state with unprecedented capabilities, but secrecy was double-edged, raising transaction costs, incentivizing indecision, compromising government officials' effectiveness, eroding citizens' trust, and leading to a secretive society and an uninformed elite. This book is the first comprehensive history of Soviet secrecy in the English language, evaluating its impact on state capacity from the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Format: Hardback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The Soviet Union, a state shrouded in secrecy, stood as one of the most enigmatic and enigmatic entities in history. Shielded by a intricate web of rules and checks meticulously administered by the secret police, the Soviet state purported to possess unparalleled capabilities, fueled by its near-monopoly on productive capital, absolute authority, and shrouded decision-making processes. However, beneath the surface, the veil of secrecy carried a double-edged nature. It imposed heightened transaction costs, fostered indecision, eroded trust in institutions and among citizens, and ultimately cultivated a secretive society and an uninformed elite. This book, a groundbreaking exploration in the English language, delves into the intricate history of Soviet secrecy, spanning from the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Authored by Harrison, this comprehensive work employs a blend of quantitative and qualitative evidence to assess the profound impact of secrecy on the capacity of the Soviet state. Drawing upon extensive research conducted in once-secret Soviet-era archives, the book addresses two critical gaps in historical and social science research. Firstly, it sheds light on the central role of secrecy in the establishment and consolidation of communist states throughout the twentieth century. Secondly, it delves into the corrosive effects of secrecy on the capabilities of authoritarian states, highlighting the trade-off between secrecy and state capacity that the Soviet Union ultimately embraced. Through meticulous analysis and compelling storytelling, this book offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of power, governance, and secrecy in the Soviet Union and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503628892