Suchergebnisse

It is impossible to think of Russia today without thinking of Vladimir Putin. More than any other major national leader, he personifies his country in the eyes of the world, and dominates Western media coverage. In Russia itself, he is likewise the centre of attention both for his supporters and his detractors. But, as Tony Wood argues, this focus on Russia's president gets in the way of any real understanding of the country. The West needs to shake off its obsession with Putin and look beyond the Kremlin walls. In this timely and provocative analysis, Wood explores the profound changes Russia has undergone since 1991. In the process, he challenges several common assumptions made about contemporary Russia. Against the idea that Putin represents a return to Soviet authoritarianism, Wood argues that his rule should be seen as a continuation of Yeltsin's in the 1990s. The core features of Putinism — a predatory elite presiding over a vastly unequal society — are in fact integral to the system set in place after the fall of Communism. Wood also overturns the standard view of Russia's foreign policy, identifying the fundamental loss of power and influence that has underpinned recent clashes with the West. Russia without Putin concludes by assessing the current regime's prospects, and looks ahead to what the future may hold for the country.

As the British general election approaches, a balance-sheet of New Labour's thirteen years in office. The record of Blair and Brown-imperial wars abroad, subservience to the City at home-as so many reasons to cheer their downfall. Adapted from the source document.

A response to Vladimir Popov's article, "Russia Redux?," applauds his empirical approach & probes further into the trends described. Although Vladimir Putin's two administrations have resulted in a new era of stability in which state power has been reasserted & economic/social conditions have improved, there is agreement with Popov that there are many future dangers. Wealth remains highly concentrated even though the incomes of many citizens have improved. The uneven geographic distribution of population & resources is explored, along with questions raised by both Putin's decision to bolster the euro & the tumbling dollar rather than provide for the needs of its citizens & the hesitation of Russian entrepreneurs to invest in expanding domestic markets. The consequences of the state-business convergence & Putin's re-centralization efforts are pointed out. It is argued that Putin's continued use of force, especially the war in Chechnya, has contributed to the legitimization of violence. Popov's analysis is an excellent starting point for a much needed discussion on possible future paths of development in Russia. Maps. J. Lindroth