Russian Politics Today : Stability and Fragility

Introducing students to political, economic, and social trends, this textbook provides an accessible and innovative overview of contemporary Russian politics. Chapters are written by a diverse team of leading scholars, covering historical trends and cutting-edge research through the novel analytical lens of stability versus fragility.

Russian Politics Today provides an accessible, nuanced introduction to contemporary Russian politics at a time of increasing uncertainty. Using the lens of stability versus fragility as its overarching framework, this innovative textbook explores the forces that shape Russia's politics, economy, and society. It includes up-to-date chapters on core themes – Russia's strong presidency, its weak party system, and the role of civil society – alongside path-breaking coverage of the politics of gender, sexuality, social media, migration, and the environment. A new section is dedicated to foreign and security policy, with chapters exploring Russian–Ukrainian relations, Russia's war in Ukraine, and the evolution of Russia's armed forces. In an age defined by misinformation, conspiracy theories, facile stereotypes, and misconceptions, a volume that fosters a nuanced understanding of complex political dynamics in post-Soviet Russia is more important than ever. Exam and discussion questions are available to instructors, while students can access additional content online.