A Chip in the Curtain: Computer Technology in the Soviet Union
Abstract
The Soviet Union is experiencing an avalanche of social, political, economic, and perhaps ideological change. President and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev, with the apparent support of the Soviet leadership and people, has begun a number of major reforms. No doubt influencing--if not driving--this change is the unparalleled technological progress of the West, which the Soviet system yearns for but has been unable to match. Focusing on computers as a leading indicator of technological progress, A Chip in the Curtain explains the Soviet Union's struggle with the development and, more important, the application of computers in Soviet society. Without question, the USSR's track record with computers compares poorly to that of the West and contributed to Soviet technical and economic woes. Author David Wellman shows how a continued Soviet lag in this area is the trend of the future. President Bush, during his election campaign, suggested that the Iron Curtain is rusting-- imagery both picturesque and telling. Depicting a part of the Soviet problem, this book presents a clear picture of a real and growing erosion of the world's most formidable barrier. Few events would have a more pervasive impact on the course of the next century than the opening up of the Soviet system and society. This book tells us much about one factor--chronic Soviet weakness in computers-- which is impelling Soviet leaders in that desirable direction.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA259360
Entities
People
- David A. Wellman
Organizations
- National Defense University