Available September 2026. Early praise

“Drawing on a lifetime of scholarship and a profound understanding of Russian history, Alexey Palladin’s book offers readers a compelling and thought-provoking examination of one of the defining geopolitical questions of our time. Whether you agree with its conclusions or not, “Russia’s Collapse” challenges its readers to think deeply about the forces shaping the future of nations.”

- Kourosh Tari, host of Standup Historian

“Russia’s Collapse” demonstrates how a seemingly unshakable colossus can be brought down by a small, but determined group of political radicals – and how the democratic world can prove too naïve, divided, and indecisive to avert catastrophe. Some readers may consider this history remote from present-day America. Yet those of us who witnessed firsthand the destructive consequences of Socialism are less inclined to dismiss its relevance. Alexey Palladin’s book is a forceful warning to any society that believes itself immune to the lessons of history.”

- Mikhail Bajenov, Author, former Soviet Army Intelligence Officer, former member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union

“Alexey Palladin has written a scholarly, well-researched, carefully-referenced, detailed analysis of the initial dreams and idealism in Russia that led to replacing an Empire with a democratic republic, its quick evolution into a brutal dictatorship and its ultimate fall. Russia’s evolution and collapse may have been the most significant and influential global political event of the 20th century. Palladin tells the story in a roughly chronological sequence of 20 chapters. One noteworthy aspect is his documentation of linkages between Russia and the United States that many might be unaware of. This book provides a uniquely eclectic perspective to this historical period.”

- James W. Murray, Professor Emeritus, University of Washington

“A fascinating account of the descent of the Russian government into the hands of the Bolsheviks and the eventual collapse of that system. The book covers many events that are not well known in the West: the friendship between Russia and the United States, the simultaneous emancipation of serfs and slaves in both countries, the ineptitude of Czar Nicholas II, the U.S. invasion of Russia, and the brutality of both the Reds and the Whites in Russia’s Civil War. Other factors lead the way to Japanese expansion after World War I, the Red Terror, and propaganda attempts to deceive the West and to infiltrate Western institutions. The author has done an excellent job of researching and presenting these dramatic and conflicting stories, which explain much of what is happening in Russia today.”

- William Riddle, Military Historian, visited many locations in the former Russian Empire while conducting his own research

“History as it is taught today is replete with fallacies. Alexey Palladin focuses on the fascinating actual contributions of the people who changed the course of the world. One hopes that the readers of this anthology will come away with a better understanding of the critical importance of specific individuals in shaping history.”

- Jacques Boiroux, founder of Metropolitan Markets

“Alexey Palladin’s history talks given at the Olympic Club have provided lively and insightful accounts of Russian and American relations from the early days of the American Republic.  In “Russia’s Collapse” he has pieced together a fascinating account of Russia’s struggles from early days into our own times.”

- Richard Hodsdon, past President of The Olympic Club, Seattle

“Alexey Palladin has spent years immersed in Russian history, and it shows in every conversation I've had with him on the subject. “Russia's Collapse” promises to bring that depth and clarity to readers eager to understand how an empire fell, and what it still means for the world today.”

- Scott Severs, Founder and Senior Partner, Garde Capital, Inc.