The Problems of Perestroika

This essay examines three broad questions: First, what part—and how much—of the Soviet economy is in need of reform; second, what kind of reforms have been proposed; and third, are the projected reforms viable and will they work when (and if) they are implemented. In addition, I shall examine previous attempts to restructure the Soviet economic system and also—especially in the light of past experience—the problems and difficulties the reformers must contend with.