it is refreshing to see a book that takes an untrodden path in discussing issues in russian and ukrainian transition after communism. first, the author believes it is important to look at these two countries together, rather than one by one. he thinks they are interconnected and dependent on one another for the success of their reform efforts. second, he says that history is important, since it influences current politics, and he combines historical analysis with the look at current events. finally, he looks at development of national identity in russia and ukraine on a broader plane than usual imperialism/nationalism discussions. not a bad reading for anyone interested in the area.