panguitch's Full Review: Understanding Contemporary Russia
Based on its primary role as a text in political science courses I did not have high expectations for Understanding Contemporary Russia as a standalone book. While some chapters do suffer from the list-making that introductory overviews often devolve into, on the whole I am impressed by the quality of the writing, even as I appreciate the authors' success in conveying a basic understanding of so many aspects of today's Russia.
Editor Michael L. Bressler of Furman University and his ten coauthors (all from American universities except for one Russian and one from Britain) present an introduction to Russia that is firmly grounded in the geographical and historical context and particularly concerned with politics. There are also chapters on the economy, international relations, ethnic identity, demographics, environmental problems, women's experiences, religion, and literature and film.
Although I have studied Russia and am familiar with much presented here, there are many areas where the authors replaced my vague impressions with concrete details. In particular I better understand the specific reforms through which Putin has consolidated power, such as the end of democratic elections for regional governors, who are now nominated by the president. Putin's relations with the oligarchs, the dynamics of Russia's political parties, and polls of Russian attitudes and perceptions of democracy were of interest. I also gained an appreciation for the structural weaknesses in the Russian state as established under Yeltsin, weaknesses which allowed both Yeltsin and Putin to assume ever more power.
Russia's demographic crisis (population is in decline) and the way its complex multiethnic population generates internal and external tensions are now much clearer for me. Of personal interest was the chapter on religion and the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church, the state, and other faiths, and the chapter on literature and film, which served as a nice refresher, though I wish other cultural elements like music had also been addressed.
While no book can cover every topic I am disappointed at the lack of a chapter addressing the Russian business world: key figures, firms, structures, trends, and how they relate with the other elements of contemporary Russia to form a unique business environment. Perhaps I feel this lack more keenly as I'm currently interviewing for a position in Moscow, but I think an awareness of employment, trade, and commerce is essential for an understanding of any society. I also would like a chapter discussing domestic life and the life of children and teenagers.
Published in October 2008, Understanding Contemporary Russia is quite current. While some chapters were clearly written before the Russia-Georgia War of August 2008, several touch on the conflict and its ramifications on international relations. On the other hand, just how fast a book like this can become dated is demonstrated by the concerns several authors raise about Russia's reliance on fossil fuel production to drive its economy. At the time prices were high and Russia's economy was strong, but as these authors warn a drop in prices can create economic difficulty for Russia. Since this book's publication exactly such a drop in prices has combined with the global recession to create a significant downturn in Russia.
Putin's enormous popularity, largely based on his image as a strong and pragmatic leader, was bolstered by Russia's booming economy. From this position of power he was able to strengthen the central government, especially the presidency, at the cost of democratic processes. With the economy in jeopardy, the long term impacts of the "managed democracy" he has created may begin to show.
Whatever Russia will be tomorrow will be born of what it is today. While its title perhaps promises the impossible, Understanding Contemporary Russia is a good place to start if you want to learn more about this manic, melancholy, magnificent nation.
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