Wind of Change: An American Journey in Post-Soviet Russia

by Kenneth Maher

Overview

Fresh out of a master's program, living in Chicago, and eager to pursue a career in his chosen academic field of Russian Area studies, Kenneth Maher eagerly accepted an offer to work for a U.S. company in the former U.S.S.R. Arriving in Siberia, brimming with optimism, he was living his dream. Or so he thought... In Wind of Change, Maher relates how he earnestly sought to make a meaningful contribution to American/Russian relations during Russia's chaotic transition from Communism in the early 1990s. Exploring the cultural differences between the U.S. and Russia, Maher recounts how reality soon soured any romantic notions of a shared vision for the future. Despite the uneven success of his endeavors, his journeys to Russia left a lifelong indelible mark. Filled with personal anecdotes laced with satire, Maher's memoir provides unique insight into the cultural and political climate of the immediate post-Soviet era and notably foreshadows Russia's return to authoritarianism, as evidenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine. But if the wind of change keeps blowing, there is still reason to hope.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798885906890
Publisher:	Palmetto Publishing
Publication date:	09/07/2022
Pages:	282
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.59(d)

About the Author

Born and raised in a suburb near Boston, Kenneth Maher had a passion for foreign languages and politics, which led him to obtain a master's degree in Russian Area Studies while simultaneously working as an intern at the U.S. Capitol. After several years traveling in the former Soviet Union, Kenneth returned to school for his M.B.A., followed by a long career as a business executive. He worked and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and India. Kenneth paused his business career in response to the 9/11 attacks to serve as a military intelligence officer in Iraq. When not working or writing, Kenneth spends his time learning a new language (currently Italian) or enjoying a fascinating book. Wind of Change is his first book.