Description
Book SynopsisVladimir Putin has emerged as one of the key leaders of the twenty-first century. However, he is also recognized as one of the most divisive. Abroad, his assertion of Russia's interests and critique of the western-dominated international system has brought him into conflict with Atlantic powers. Within Russia, he has balanced various factions within the elite intelligentsia alongside the wider support of Russian society. So what is the 'Putin paradox?' Richard Sakwa grapples with Putin's personal and political development on both the international political scene and within the domestic political landscape of Russia. This study historicizes the Putin paradox, through theoretical, historical and political analysis and in light of wider developments in Russian society. Richard Sakwa presents the Putin paradox as a unique regime type - balancing numerous contradictions - in order to adapt to its material environment while maintaining sufficient authority with which to shape it.
Trade ReviewAn original, up-to-date and comprehensive text on the phenomenon of Putinism in contemporary Russia. * Edwin Bacon, University of Lincoln *
The Putin Paradox is the latest take on Russia under Putin by the leading international scholar of his rule. Sakwa’s trade mark incisiveness, nuance and innovation are ably demonstrated here. A must read for everyone interested in the fate of modern Russia and its role on the world stage. * Graeme Gill, Professor Emeritus, University of Sydney *
Sakwa runs a forensic eye over Russian domestic and foreign policy, placing Putin's leadership in context and exploring the nuances of change and continuity in ideas, policy and strategy. Essential reading. * Andrew Monaghan, Director of Research on Russia, Oxford Changing Character of War Centre. *
Table of Contents1. Putin and his times From
kommunalka to the Kremlin; The many Putins; The post-Cold War context; The democracy paradox
2. State, society and regime The birth of the regime-state; The meta-factions of Russian society; The dual state and neo-patrimonialism; Reform, transition and beyond
3. Putin and politics The state of exception and regionalism; Putin and the past; Anti-revolution as a political practice; Putin’s statecraft;
Stasis, or the developmental impasse
4. Politics and the third state Regime reset; The third state and meta-corruption; The third state and micro-factionalism
5. Managed capitalism State and market; Economic performance and plans; Powering Putinism; Sanctions and their effect
6. From partner to adversary: Russia and the West The clash of post-Cold War world orders; The logic of Russian foreign policy; A new era of confrontation
7. Recreating the heartland: Eurasian partnerships Eurasian integration in perspective; The post-Atlantic world;Putin’s Asian gambit: escape from confrontation? Global Russia
8. The winds of change Towards Putin’s fourth term;The return of politics; The 2018 presidential election; Challenges of Putin’s fourth term
9. The Putin phenomenon Putin’s people and power; Is Putin an ism?; Putin’s grand strategy
10. Paradoxes of Putinism When success means failure; Towards the succession; Russia without Putin
Bibliography Index
