Flexible Authoritarianism: Cultivating Ambition and Loyalty in Russia

Flexible Authoritarianism challenges the idea that the transnational rise of authoritarianism is a backlash against economic globalization and neoliberal capitalism, and demonstrates how it is stabilized ideologically by the insignia of cool start-up capitalism and familiar cultural forms. It critically evaluates how loyalty to the regime is produced and contested among those young people who seek key positions in politics, business, the public sector, or creative industries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Flexible Authoritarianism presents a compelling argument that challenges the prevailing notion that the transnational rise of authoritarianism can be attributed solely to economic globalization and neoliberal capitalism. This intriguing political phenomenon, known as flexible authoritarianism, emerges as a response to the complex interplay between authoritarian and neoliberal ideologies in the contemporary resurgence of strongman rule. Through the insightful lens of Anna Schwenck, the book offers a vivid portrayal of flexible authoritarianism in Russia, capturing its essence through the experiences of up-and-coming youth.

Drawing upon extensive field observations, in-depth interviews, and a thorough analysis of documents and video clips, Schwenck vividly illustrates how flexible authoritarianism is ideologically stabilized by the symbols of cool start-up capitalism and familiar cultural forms such as summer camps. Moreover, the book critically examines the dynamics of loyalty to the regime, which serves as the foundation of political and economic life in a polity. It delves into the complex interplay between those young individuals who aspire to hold key positions in politics, business, the public sector, or creative industries, and the challenges they face in navigating the complex web of loyalties and obligations that govern their actions and decisions.

Flexible Authoritarianism is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the complex dynamics between authoritarianism and neoliberalism, offering valuable insights into the evolving political landscape of our times. By examining the experiences of young people in Russia, the book sheds light on the ways in which authoritarianism is being adapted and recalibrated to meet the demands of a changing world. This book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between power, ideology, and society in the 21st century.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197751596