Lonely Power : Why Russia Has Failed to Become the West and the West Is Weary of Russia

In Lonely Power, adapted from the Russian version, Lilia Shevtsova questions the veracity of clichés about Russia, by both insiders and outsiders, and analyzes Russia's trajectory and how the West influences the country's modernization.

Adapted from the Russian edition, this book analyzes the dominant stereotypes and myths that formed during the Putin presidency and that continue to hamper our understanding of Russia's current situation.

Author Lilia Shevtsova explains the origins of such political clichés as

• Russia is not mature enough for democracy;

• Capitalism first, and democracy will follow;

• The humiliation of Russia by the West is the key cause of their soured relationship;

• Arms talks between Russia and the United States will help to reset the relationship.

Shevtsova argues that an anti-mythology campaign is needed to deepen the understanding of Russia both within the Russian Federation and in the West, as well as to help nations build better policies toward Russia.

Praise for Lilia Shevtsova's Russia—Lost in Transition

"An excellent volume... highly recommended."—Choice

Adapted from the Russian edition, this book analyzes the dominant stereotypes and myths that formed during the Putin presidency and that continue to hamper our understanding of Russia's current situation. Author Lilia Shevtsova explains the origins of such political clichs as Russia is not mature enough for democracy; Capitalism first, and democracy will follow; The humiliation of Russia by the West is the key cause of their soured relationship; Arms talks between Russia and the United States will help to reset the relationship. Shevtsova argues that an anti-mythology campaign is needed to deepen the understanding of Russia both within the Russian Federation and in the West, as well as to help nations build better policies toward Russia. Praise for Lilia Shevtsova's RussiaLost in Transition "An excellent volume... highly recommended."Choice Adapted from the Russian edition, this book analyzes the dominant stereotypes and myths that formed during the Putin presidency and that continue to hamper our understanding of Russia's current situation.Author Lilia Shevtsova explains the origins of such political clichés as• Russia is not mature enough for democracy;• Capitalism first, and democracy will follow;• The humiliation of Russia by the West is the key cause of their soured relationship;• Arms talks between Russia and the United States will help to reset the relationship.Shevtsova argues that an anti-mythology campaign is needed to deepen the understanding of Russia both within the Russian Federation and in the West, as well as to help nations build better policies toward Russia.Praise for Lilia Shevtsova's Russia—Lost in Transition'An excellent volume... highly recommended.'—Choice Today's Russia proves that appearances can be deceiving. The Kremlin's modernization mantra and liberal rhetoric attempt to keep alive a system based on personalized power. While rapprochement with the West is seen as a way to import technology, attract investment, and gain economically, Russia's elite is trying to protect an anti-Western system that preserves its rule Rejection of political reform in Russia risks the gradual decay of the country or even state collapse. Russia can break this vicious circle only if it rejects personalized power and if the West helps Russia transform economically and politically. --Book Jacket Is it possible to reform the Russian system from the top? Could technological innovation help Russia's political liberalization? What are the domestic roots of Russia's foreign policy and how sustainable is the current reset with the United States? In Lonely Power, adapted from the Russian version, Lilia Shevtsova questions the veracity of clichTs about Russiaùby both insiders and outsidersùand analyzes Russia's trajectory and how the West influences the country's modernization Lilia Shevtsova ; Translated By Antonina W. Bouis. Translated From Russian. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.