Putin and the Return of History: How the Kremlin Rekindled the Cold War

Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has reshaped history, challenging the West's belief in liberal democracy as the dominant system of governance. Putin's autocratic nationalism and anti-Western militarism have emerged, contrasting his earlier support for freedom, democracy, and friendship with the West. This book examines the forces and myths that have shaped Putin's politics, including the terror of encirclement, the subjugation of the individual to the state, collectivist values, willingness to lie and deceive, and the belief in Great Russia's mission to change the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

An in-depth exploration of Russia's thousand-year history, delving into the forces and myths that have shaped Vladimir Putin's politics and reignited the Cold War.

The invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin has profoundly altered the course of history. Following the collapse of Soviet communism, the West arrogantly believed that liberal democracy would become the sole and universal system of governance, a notion that shaped its approach towards Russia for the next two decades. However, history had yet to unfold its final chapter.

Putin presents a paradoxical figure. In the early years of his presidency, he displayed a willingness to establish friendship with the West, suggesting that Russia could potentially join the European Union or NATO. He even expressed support for free-market democracy and civil rights. However, the Putin of the 2020s is a stark contrast to the man of those early years. He has evolved into an autocratic nationalist, driven by a desire for repression at home and anti-Western militarism abroad.

The question arises: Was Putin deceptive when he professed his support for freedom, democracy, and friendship with the West? Or was he genuine in his intentions? Did his views change over time, or was there a specific event or series of events that influenced his transformation?

To answer these questions, "Putin and the Return of History" delves into Russia's thousand-year past, tracing the forces and myths that have shaped Putin's aggressive politics. These include the enduring fear of encirclement by outsiders, the subjugation of individual interests to the greater good of the state, the collectivist values that justify the sacrifice of human lives in battle, the willingness to deceive and manipulate, the co-opting of religion for political purposes, and the belief in Great Russia's mission to reshape the world.

This comprehensive examination of history sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Putin's leadership and his motivations. It challenges the notion that Russia's actions can be solely attributed to its current president or to the Kremlin. Instead, it emphasizes the enduring historical legacies and cultural factors that have shaped Russia's foreign policy and its relationship with the West.

As we navigate the challenging and uncertain times brought about by Putin's invasion of Ukraine, it is essential to understand the historical context that has shaped his actions. By examining the forces and myths that have shaped Putin's politics, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Only through a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of history can we hope to find a path towards a more peaceful and stable world.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399409865