Russia Since 1980

Russia Since 1980 recounts the epochal political, economic, and social changes that destroyed the Soviet Union, ushering in a perplexing new order.

Steven Rosefielde (Author), Stefan Hedlund (Author)

9780521613842, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 November 2008

368 pages, 26 tables
22.8 x 15.3 x 2 cm, 0.5 kg

'Russia Since 1980 is an important and even superb work in all respects: scholarship, analysis, carefulness, and lucidity. It is not only informative, it is also eloquent. If one wanted one book to explain contemporary Russia, its character, governance, and likely direction, I would recommend this book. Its conclusions are insightful and compelling.' William R. Van Cleave, Missouri State University

Russia Since 1980 recounts the epochal political, economic, and social changes that destroyed the Soviet Union, ushering in a perplexing new order. Two decades after Mikhail Gorbachev initiated regime-wrecking radical reforms, Russia has reemerged as a superpower. It has survived a hyperdepression, modernized, restored private property and business, adopted a liberal democratic persona, and asserted claims to global leadership. Many in the West perceive these developments as proof of a better globalized tomorrow, while others foresee a new cold war. Globalizers contend that Russia is speedily democratizing, marketizing, and humanizing, creating a regime based on the rule of law and respect for civil rights. Opponents counterclaim that Russia before and during the Soviet period was similarly misportrayed and insist that Medvedev's Russia is just another variation of an authoritarian 'Muscovite' model that has prevailed for over five centuries. The cases for both positions are explored while chronicling events since 1980.

Part I. Russia Before 1980: 1. Muscovy and the West
2. Reform communism
Part II. Gorbachev: 3. Pandora's box
4. Blindman's bluff
5. Squalid superpower
Part III. Yeltsin: 6. Demolition and system building
7. Crisis management
Part IV. Putin: 8. Authoritarian reconsolidation
9. Heritage and neglect
Part V. Advance and Retreat: 10. Semblance of democracy
11. Social change and adaptation
12. International relations
Part VI. Prospects: 13. Sustainable growth
14. Russia in the Chinese looking glass
Glossary.

Subject Areas: Political economy [KCP], Economics [KC]