Seven distinguished scholars in dialogue with G.R. Urban discuss the momentous events leading up to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the consequences that may follow. In his introduction, Urban explores the hesitations and misconceptions of Western policy-makers in dealing with the Soviet empire over the last 75 years. Contributors include Sidney Hook, Hugh Trevor-Roper, Elie Kedourie, Otto von Habsburg, Adam Ulam, Milovan Djilas, and Sir Karl Popper.