Science: Closing the Gap with the West

To drive the system, an offensive in physics and technology

"One cannot be satisfied with the collapse of capitalism. It is necessary to take all its science, technology ... Without that we will not be able to build Communism."

Since Lenin uttered those clangorous words in 1919, the Soviets may have muted their tone. But they continue to view the mastery of science, along with its offshoot—technology—as essential to the triumph of their system. Indeed, in areas deemed critical by the Kremlin, notably defense, space and agriculture, Soviet scientists are lavishly supported in their...

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