Chronicles the militarization of the Soviet Union during the period from 1926 to 1933 and shows why this period is central to an understanding of Stalin's emergence and consolidation of power. Demonstrates that Soviet military thinkers pushed for a ruthlessly centralized economy requiring total integration of state and society as the necessary means for achieving victory in future wars, which resulted in an upwardly spiraling defense budget and increasing military domination of civilian society. Stone is assistant professor of history at Kansas State University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)