When Stalin, in 1936, declared socialism achieved in the Soviet Union, he opened the door for the codification of the political economy of socialism beyond Marx’s political economy of capitalism. Indeed, at the same time as he executed the tyrannical policies he is known for, he led a series...

This chapter identifies the determinants of economic growth for the newly formed countries of the former Soviet Union and the Socialist Bloc. Starting from a neoclassical theory of growth this chapter adds recently identified contributing factors such as human capital, economic freedom, and...

The chapter presents an analysis of the decision-making process of leaders on issues of nuclear armament and nuclear disarmament, through four case studies. The first, pertaining armament, is South Africa, with a focus on Pieter Willem Botha, former prime minister and president of South Africa....