The New Politics of Russia

Russia often dominates the headlines, from the annexation of Crimea to the war in Syria, and from the attack on the Skripals to concerns about Russian interference and influence in Western domestic politics. Yet its political realities are poorly understood by Western policy makers and observers who are often surprised by Russian actions. This highly engaging book offers a different way to interpret Russia. Andrew Monaghan places the current crisis between the Euro-Atlantic community and Russia into the broader and longer-term context, and the emergence since the early 2000s of an increasingly visible strategic dissonance that has lately hardened into what is now part of a wider 'Great Power Competition'. He also explores the evolving domestic political landscape, unpicking the nature of power in Russia, and introducing readers to both the current leadership and those who may emerge to lead Russia in the future. This is an essential read for those who wish to understand why relations with Russia have become so bad and what is to come.