Russia in the 21st Century
The Prodigal Superpower

This book demonstrates Russia's intention to re-emerge as a full-fledged superpower before 2010.

Steven Rosefielde (Author)

9780521836784, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 December 2004

268 pages, 7 b/w illus. 19 tables
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.3 cm, 0.47 kg

'… trenchant and timely'. Contemporary Reviews

This book demonstrates that Russia intends to re-emerge as a full fledged superpower before 2010 that would challenge America and China and potentially threaten a new arms race. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this goal is easily within the Kremlin's grasp, but the cost to the Russian people and global security would be immense. A sophisticated strategy is proposed to dissuade President Vladimir Putin from pursuing this destabilizing course. The book also explains why the Soviet Union imploded, why Western experts missed the signs of the collapse, and how Russia has metamorphosized into an authoritarian regime instead of pursuing a transition to fully democratic free enterprise. A critique of American foreign policymaking is also provided that emphasizes the confusion caused by tempering evidence to conform with public expectations and the failure to secure the national interest in favor of satisfying a consensus of particular special interests.

1. After the 'end of history'
2. Prodigal superpower
3. Structural militarization
4. What could have been done?
5. Muscovite metamorphosis
6. Military industrial reform
7. National insecurity
8. Miasma of global engagement
9. Putin's choice
10. Candor.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ], Political economy [KCP], International relations [JPS]