James H. Billington is the fourteenth Librarian of Congress.

The prospects for world peace in the twenty-first century depend in large measure on the way Russians decide to define themselves in the next few years. Drawing on his vast knowledge of Russian history, his frequent visits to Russia in the past decade, and his longstanding relationships with Russians from many different regions and segments of society, the Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, provides an authoritative exploration of one of the world's most pressing issues.