Russia Since 1980: Wrestling with Westernization

ISBN-13: 9780521849135 / Angielski / Twarda / 2008 / 374 str.

Steven R. Rosefielde; Stefan Hedlund

Opis

Russia since 1980 recounts the epochal political, economic, and social changes that destroyed the Soviet Union, ushering in a perplexing new order. Two decades after Mikhail Gorbachev initiated his regime-wrecking radical reforms, Russia has reemerged as a superpower. It has survived a hyperdepression, modernized, restored private property and business, adopted a liberal democratic persona, and asserted claims to global leadership. Many in the West perceive these developments as proof of a better globalized tomorrow, while others foresee a new cold war. Globalizers contend that Russia is speedily democratizing, marketizing, and humanizing, creating a regime based on the rule of law and respect for civil rights. Opponents counterclaim that Russia before and during the Soviet period was similarly misportrayed and insist that Medvedev's Russia is just another variation of an authoritarian "Muscovite" model that has prevailed for more than five centuries. The cases for both positions are explored while chronicling events since 1980, and a verdict is rendered in favor of Muscovite continuity. Russia will continue challenging the West until it breaks with its cultural legacy.

Recenzje

'Russia Since 1980 is an important and even superb work in all respects: scholarship, analysis, carefulness, and lucidity. It is not only informative, it is also eloquent. If one wanted one book to explain contemporary Russia, its character, governance, and likely direction, I would recommend this book. Its conclusions are insightful and compelling.' William R. Van Cleave, Missouri State University

Spis treści

Part I. Russia Before 1980: 1. Muscovy and the West; 2. Reform communism; Part II. Gorbachev: 3. Pandora's box; 4. Blindman's bluff; 5. Squalid superpower; Part III. Yeltsin: 6. Demolition and system building; 7. Crisis management; Part IV. Putin: 8. Authoritarian reconsolidation; 9. Heritage and neglect; Part V. Advance and Retreat: 10. Semblance of democracy; 11. Social change and adaptation; 12. International relations; Part VI. Prospects: 13. Sustainable growth; 14. Russia in the Chinese looking glass; Glossary.