Book Reviews - Institute of Modern Russia

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Will Russia Eventually Collapse?

Details: Book Reviews

Will Russia Eventually Collapse?

Details: Dmitry Shlapentokh

As Vladimir Putin approaches his 20th anniversary as Russia’s de-facto leader, experts are pondering what his authoritarian rule means for the country. A recently released book by the Soviet dissident Andrei Amalrik, who predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union, offers interesting insights into Russia’s future.

Russian World: Compatriots vs. Émigrés

Details: Book Reviews

Russian World: Compatriots vs. Émigrés

Details: Yana Gorokhovskaia

The Russian diaspora is the fourth largest in the world, with 10 million Russians residing abroad. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the Kremlin traditionally viewed émigrés with suspicion, targeting those it perceived as a threat to the regime. This attitude changed under Vladimir Putin, who, by introducing the concept of Russkiy Mir, has tried to bring fellow countrymen into the Kremlin’s orbit.

What the West Can Do About Putin’s Master Plan

Details: Book Reviews

What the West Can Do About Putin’s Master Plan

Details: Nathan Andrews

What is Putin thinking? What will his next move be? What is his ultimate goal? These are just just a fraction of the questions about Vladimir Putin’s Russia that have been occupying the minds of the Western officials, pundits, journalists, and numerous Russia observers. A new book titled Putin’s Master Plan provides a possible range of answers and policy recommendations on how to tackle the resurgent Russia. IMR contributing author Nathan Andrews discusses the book, noting, however, that the authors do not provide a holistic view of the issue, as their vision mainly reflects the approach typical of some factions inside the U.S. political system.

No Putin, No Russia?

Details: Book Reviews

No Putin, No Russia?

Details: Ezekiel Pfeifer

IMR analyst Ezekiel Pfeifer discusses The New Tsar, a perceptive new biography of Vladimir Putin by New York Times reporter Steven Lee Myers that explores the rise of Russia’s modern-day autocrat, from his childhood as a street fighter in Leningrad to his unlikely ascension to the Kremlin throne. The book exhaustively details the milestones of Putin’s life and offers astute analysis of the forces that have shaped him.

Who Will Win in the New Cold War?

Details: Book Reviews

Who Will Win in the New Cold War?

Details: Daniel Frey

Over the last few years, debates on whether Russia and the West are engaged in a New Cold War have intensified. Some analysts argue that the standoff is only a matter of rhetoric, while others, like Edward Lucas, author of the aptly named volume The New Cold War, believe that the global confrontation is real, and if the West doesn’t act soon, it is already lost.

‘Is the American Century Over?’ Joseph Nye Says No

Details: Book Reviews

‘Is the American Century Over?’ Joseph Nye Says No

Details: Daniel Frey

Commentators have speculated about the decline of the United States as the world’s leading power for many decades, only to see it retain its preeminence. In a new book, foreign policy expert Joseph Nye predicts that the U.S. will stay on top for now but must cooperate effectively with other world powers to address global challenges. Independent journalist Daniel Frey reviews Nye’s latest work.

How to Become Putin’s No. 1 Enemy

Details: Book Reviews

How to Become Putin’s No. 1 Enemy

Details: Daria Mattis

For years Bill Browder has been campaigning against the corrupt Russian authorities who prosecuted and eventually caused the death of an innocent man—Browder’s lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky. In his new book Browder tells Magnitsky’s story in a narrative that reads like a thriller and reveals the brutal realities of the Putin regime.

Many Shades of the Russian Authoritarianism

Details: Book Reviews

Many Shades of the Russian Authoritarianism

Details: Arielle Gerber

The question of why Russia has been unable overcome authoritarianism for many decades now remains a central point for discussion among Russia scholars and broader public. This book provides a historical overview of the issue from 1917 to present day, delving into the specifics of the Soviet and Russian leadership and the rules of succession.

Modern Russia: A Theoretical Study

Details: Book Reviews

Modern Russia: A Theoretical Study

Details: George Grylls

In 2012, as Vladimir Putin was preparing to return to the Kremlin for his third term as Russia’s president, the country that he has been leading for over a decade faced a number of systemic challenges. This anthology offers a collection of essays written by prominent Russia scholars who outline the country’s gravest issues under Putin. Most of these issues are only growing more serious today.

Russian Oil: A History of Battles for the ‘Black Gold’

Details: Book Reviews

Russian Oil: A History of Battles for the ‘Black Gold’

Details: Arielle Gerber

Russia prides itself as one of the largest producers and exporters of oil in the world, providing nearly 12 percent of the global supply. However, recent history of the Russian oil development reveals numerous challenges that, if not addressed properly, threaten to result in inevitable decline of the oil industry.

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