Russia since 1980
By: Steven Rosefielde, Stefan Hedlund.
Contributors: Hedlund, Stefan, 1953-
Series: The world since 1980
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2008
Place of publication: New York, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 347
ISBN-13: 9780521849135; 9780521613842
Subjects: Russia (Federation) -- Politics and government -- 1991-; Soviet Union -- Politics and government -- 1985-1991; Russia (Federation) -- Economic conditions -- 1991-; Soviet Union -- Economic conditions -- 1985-1991; Russia (Federation) -- Social conditions -- 1991-; Soviet Union -- Social conditions -- 1970-1991
Description: From the Publisher: 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 his regime-wrecking radical reforms, Russia has reemerged as a superpower. It has survived a hyper depression, 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 more than five centuries. The cases for both positions are explored while chronicling events since 1980, and a verdict is rendered in favor of Muscovite continuity. Russia will continue challenging the West until it breaks with its cultural legacy.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Muscovy and the West; title: Reform communism; title: Pandora's box; title: Blindman's bluff; title: Squalid superpower; title: Demolition and systems building; title: Crisis management; title: Authoritarian reconsolidation; title: Heritage of neglect; title: Semblance of democracy; title: Social change and adaptation; title: International relations; title: Sustainable growth; title: Russia in the Chinese looking glass.