The Baton and the Cross - Russia's Church from Pagans to Putin

In this provocative new book, Lucy Ash reveals how, under Putin, religion is being stripped of its spiritual content and used as a weapon to control the population. Orthodox clerics and their acolytes distort theology as they preach Slav Christian supremacy and drag Russia backwards into a new Middle Ages.

Combining historical research with vivid present-day reportage, The Baton and the Cross explores the impact the Church is having on millions of lives - from the tower blocks of big cities to far-flung villages in Siberia. Delving into the underbelly of politics, state security and big money, Ash shows how these forces have formed an unholy alliance with Orthodoxy in the dystopia of twenty-first century Russia.

About the author

Lucy Ash is an award-winning presenter of radio and TV documentaries. An expert on Russia and post-Soviet countries, she was first sent to Moscow by the BBC in 1990 and has been covering the region's social, political and cultural issues ever since. The Baton and the Cross is her first book.

Product details

• Authors: Lucy Ash
• Publisher: Icon Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 06.11.2025
• EAN: 9781837731855
• ISBN: 978-1-83773-185-5
• No. of pages: 384
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Ukraine, History: specific events & topics, Russia, RELIGION / Christian Church / History, RELIGION / Christianity / Orthodox, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Corruption & Misconduct, Politics & government, History of Religion, Religion & politics, Politics and government, History: specific events and topics, Church history, Religion and Politics, Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches, HISTORY / Russia / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / Russian & Soviet