Topic: Russian and Soviet History

World's next technology leader will be US, not China – if America can shape up

Innovation drives income growth and determines global military and diplomatic leadership. China lacks the kind of inclusive political institutions like those in the US that promote innovation. But inequality and money's influence on political power threaten American innovation.

3 new novels grapple with questions of mortality

Three new works of fiction address themes of mortality, including a ghost – in an Anne Tyler novel.

Russian elections: Putin 4.0 at a crossroads

After Russian elections on Sunday, expect what amounts to a fourth term for Putin. But Putin 4.0 faces a tough choice. His KGB officer instincts call for tightening the grip. But Russia's future – and thousands of protesters – demand greater freedom and reforms.

20 non-fiction books to watch for in 2012

Here’s a sampling of some of the more promising early 2012 nonfiction titles.

North Korea not the only offender: 6 official photo fudgings

As state manipulators of the media go, few can compare to North Korea, which found it necessary to doctor an official photograph of Kim Jong-il's funeral procession. 

Just as governments are finding it easier to use technology to manipulate images, so too is the public finding it easier to spot such digital trickery. Here are six noteworthy attempts by governments to shape media coverage through image manipulation.

Defying Putin: 7 Russians to watch

Tens of thousands of Russians marched in the streets in December to protest vote-rigging. From this movement, fresh leaders are emerging in Russia, without the Kremlin's backing.

Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman

Biographer Robert K. Massie gives us a Catherine the Great who is ever interesting and intelligent – but not necessarily admirable.

National Book Awards: the 2011 fiction nominees

Five novels vie tonight for the 2011 National Book Award title,

Amazon's top 10 book picks for November

Amazon's editors pick their top 10 books for the month of November.

5 National Book Award 2011 fiction finalists

The five books in the running for the 2011 National Book Award for fiction

Fall books: 20 nonfiction titles you don't want to miss

From the energy crisis to The Doors, from Hitler’s Germany to Rin Tin Tin, here are the nonfiction titles that have readers buzzing this fall.

Why half of Russians regret the 1991 August Coup

After the August Coup that dissolved the Soviet Union and secured democratic reforms, many Russians saw limitless possibilities. Twenty years later, many are disillusioned.

The Soviet August Coup still resonates 20 years later

Twenty years ago today, Communist Party hard-liners staged a coup to guard against further democratic reforms. The takeover failed but triggered the Soviet collapse.

Google's gift to Red Square's St. Basil Cathedral: a doodle

Moscow marks the 450-year anniversary of St. Basil's Cathedral, the iconic church built in Red Square to honor Ivan the Terrible's victory over Russia's former Tatar conquerors.

Top Picks: Tea with Jane Austen, Soviet students, Lord of the Rings hi-def, and more

The importance of tea in Jane Austen's England, the final generation of students under the Soviet system, Lord of the Rings out on Blu-ray, and more recommendations

4 great summer books for middle-grade readers

Once school is out, will your young reader be likely to pick up a book? The answer is yes – if the right title is at hand. Here are four strong summer reading choices for kids from ages 9 up.

What does a peace dividend look like?

It's still early to tell if there will be a 'peace dividend' following bin Laden's death, but major peace events of the past have affected the markets

10 top royal love stories

Our fascination with the romance between Prince William and Kate Middleton is nothing new. The world has always loved a royal love story and a stack of books from over the ages proves that to be true. Here are 10 of the most interesting.

My Perestroika: movie review

As the USSR collapses, ‘My Perestroika’ follows its upheaval on five Russian children coming of age.