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While focusing on contemporary developments of the Russian state, this book highlights those developments' roots in the historic concept of autocracy. The central scholarly question is not whether Russia will recreate a strong state, but, rather, what kind of a strong state it will be and under which circumstances it will function.
List of contents
Introduction; 1. Russia from Two Perspectives; 2. The Roots of the Russian State: Autocracy; A Brief History; 3. Emergence and Development; 4. Decline and Revolution; 5. The Soviet State; The Transition; 6. The Soviet Breakup; 7. The Smuta of the 1990s; The Revival; 8. Putin's System; 9. State-Led Capitalism; 10. Managed Democracy; 11. a Normal Great Power; The Crisis; 12. Protest; 13. Ethno-Nationalism; 14. Corruption; 15. Tensions with the West; Conclusion; 16. Whither the Russian State?
About the author
Andrei P. Tsygankov is Professor of International Relations and Political Science at San Francisco State University. A Russian native, he is a contributor to both Western and Russian academia. His latest books are Russia and the West from Alexander to Putin (Cambridge, 2012) and Traditions of Russian Political Thought (Moscow, 2013).
Summary
While focusing on contemporary developments of the Russian state, this book highlights those developments' roots in the historic concept of autocracy. The central scholarly question is not whether Russia will recreate a strong state, but, rather, what kind of a strong state it will be and under which circumstances it will function.
Additional text
Andrei Tsygankov's The Strong State in Russia interprets Russian history from the pre-tsarist era to the present, with chapters dedicated to some of the most important issues facing Russia today. Arguing for a deep continuity in Russian politics, Tsygankov's interpretation will challenge many notions about Russia widely accepted in the West. Clear and engaging, the book is well suited for the classroom and will also be of great interest to all seeking to understand this important country.
