The authors skillfully place Russia’s 30-year transformation since the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika reforms in the context of broader developments in Europe, North America, and elsewhere. This slim but wide-ranging volume comes at a crucial time, as growing domestic unrest tests Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 20-year rule and as opposition mounts to his repression of dissenting voices. At the same time, the book is also a forceful reminder that “Russia is much more than its president” and that understanding the country requires nuanced consideration that goes beyond merely analyzing Putin.

Foreign Affairs

In this succinct exposition of Russia’s domestic developments and foreign policy, Marlene Laruelle and Jean Radvanyi de-emphasise the uniqueness of Russia’s path, comparing it to the stresses of transformation that many states confront. . . . The authors reject the premise that Russia acts as a spoiler globally. Rather, they describe it as a country trying to manage rapid change as it continues to seek a new global role and advocate for a new international order. To bring some perspective to the discussion, they remind us that Russia represents less than 2% of world GDP. It will soon face a choice between being a junior partner to the West, or to China.

Survival: Global Politics and Strategy

We are all struggling to understand Russia, and this book provides a timely and erudite guide. Covering state and nation formation, the economy, society, and foreign policy, Laruelle and Radvanyi have produced an accessible and essential analysis of the complex phenomenon that is the Russia of today.

Richard Sakwa, Professor of Russian and European Politics, University of Kent

This well-researched book will challenge those accustomed to viewing Russia as the West’s hostile Other. By presenting Russia’s political, economic, and social changes in alignment with global trends, Laruelle and Radvanyi make a compelling case for a new Western thinking about Russia.

Andrei P. Tsygankov, San Francisco State University

At a time when some would argue that understanding Russia is impossible and perhaps even inadvisable, Laruelle and Radvanyi’s new book argues powerfully that not only can we understand Russia, but we must. This timely volume is certain to help many readers—from students to professionals to the simply curious—come to grips with the country that vexes our imaginations more than any other.

Samuel Greene, Director of King's Russia Institute and Professor of Russian Politics, KCL