The short period of time stretching from the dramatic Constitutional amendments of January 2020 to the war launched by Vladimir Putin against Ukraine in February, 2022, marked a sharp turning point in Russian history. The author explains how Russia got to that point of war. Although Putin, termed 'eternal' because of amendments that allow him to run for two more terms as president, is everywhere in it, the book is a study of Russia writ large. It features the political uproar over the Navalny opposition, the ravages of the pandemic, manifestations of climate change, and intensifying confrontations between Russia on one side, Ukraine, NATO and the US on the other. The book provides a who, what, where and when of the short but volatile period prior to the outbreak of war and offers a tentative why it happened. Discussed, too, are the highs and lows of Putin's popularity; the effectiveness, or not, of economic sanctions, and Moscow's 'pivot to the east'.
Joseph Laurence (Larry) Black is Professor Emeritus, and was re-designated Distinguished Research Professor by Carleton in 2017.
List of Illustrations List of Tables Preface List of Abbreviations Transliteration, Spelling, Punctuation and Sources Note on Sources Introduction Chapter 1. Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation Presidency Chapter 2. Navalny and the Political Cockpit Chapter 3. Matter over Mind? Media, Human Rights, Pandemic & Climate Change Chapter 4. The Economy. The Sanctions Saga. Chapter 5. The International Arena Chapter 6. New Cold War. Russia, the US and China Chapter 7. War & Peace. Preparing for a Shooting War Chapter 8. Russia in Wartime. Eternal Confrontation? Chapter 9. Ripple Effects Conclusion: Closing remarks, forecasts - and guesses Appendix 1: List of Countries 'Unfriendly' to Russia from 5 March 2022 Appendix 2: Further Reading Bibliography About the Author
An exceptionally well-informed, balanced and detailed analysis of a critical turning point in Russian politics and international relations between 2020 and 2022. This perceptive and convincing study challenges stereotypes and misconceptions, and helps explain the origins and dynamics of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. It is an essential read that provides an understanding how the Global North once again stumbled into war. -- Richard Sakwa, University of Kent At a time when the Russia-Ukraine war dominates news headlines, understanding Russia has never been more important. In this thorough and comprehensive read, Black enables readers to do so through an outline of political and economic developments in Russia in the two years prior to the invasion of Ukraine, and in the immediate aftermath. Black casts an expert gaze on some of the most important events of our era. -- Paul Robinson, University of Ottawa A fascinating analysis of how Russian leaders and citizens understand their place in the world. It is critical reading for those who wish to understand the motivations that propelled Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. -- Jeff Sahadeo, Carleton University
