Research topic: Aleksandr Nikolayevich Yakovlev

Aleksandr Nikolayevich Yakovlev , 1923-2005, Russian historian and diplomat, b. Korolevo, studied Columbia Univ. (1958-59), Academy of Social Sciences, Moscow (Ph.D., 1960). Seriously wounded in World War II, he joined (1944) the Communist party and rose in its ranks, assuming top Soviet media posts during the 1960s. His criticism of Russian nationalism led to a demotion, and he was posted (1973-83) as ambassador to Canada. Returning to Moscow, he was Mikhail Gorbachev 's closest and most influential adviser and became (1987) the Politburo member responsible for mass media. Throughout the 1980s... Read more