This study attempts to answer those crucial questions intriguing historians and observers of the world scene, such as: why was there a revolution in Russia?; why did many in Russia and the West sincerely believe in communism?; why did most Sovietologists, diplomats and journalists fail to see the collapse?; why did the revolutionary regime last so long?; and when was the loss of faith first recognized? The author offers some speculations on the direction in which Russia is now heading, and gives particular attention to the role of nationalism.