Russian Modernization: A New Paradigm

This book offers a new paradigm for understanding the Putin era in Russia by exploring the paradoxical and contradictory aspects of Russia's modernization, including its energy-dependent economy, hybrid political regime, religion, welfare, and culture. Written by a community of Western and Russian scholars, it re-affirms the value of social science in confronting a society that has undergone enormous and costly systematic changes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 394 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Building upon an original interpretation of social theory and an interdisciplinary approach, this groundbreaking work pioneers a new paradigm in Russian studies. Taking a fresh perspective on Russia's diverse experiences of modernization, it aims to shed light on the Putin era in a wholly novel manner. This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate and paradoxical nature of Russia, examining its energy-dependent economy and hybrid political regime, as well as religion, welfare, and culture, and the often intricate interplay between them. Written by a diverse community of Western and Russian scholars, this book reaffirms the invaluable role of social science in understanding societies that have undergone significant and costly systematic transformations. The Russian elites perceive modernization solely in terms of economic and technological competitiveness. However, the contributors to this volume perceive contemporary Russia grappling with a series of antinomies, which are macro-level dilemmas that cannot be resolved through philosophical mediation or immediate political decisions. As such, they represent the tension fields that shape choices made by various competing agencies.

This book holds immense appeal to scholars and students specializing in Russian studies, transition studies, sociology, social policy, political science, energy policy, cultural studies, and stratification studies. Additionally, professionals engaged in energy, ecology, and security policy will find this publication a valuable resource.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367567286