Description
This book presents a comprehensive survey of the current state of Russia and how Russia is likely to develop in the immediate future. Not always sticking to the mainstream narrative, it covers political events including Putin’s constitutional reforms of January 2020 and their likely consequences, economic developments, Russia’s international relations and military activities, and changes and issues in Russian society, including in education, the place of women, health care and religion. Special attention is paid to manifestations of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book’s overall conclusion is that events of 2020 may compel Putin to ‘think again’ before he decides whether to run for office in 2024.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1. The presidency, the executive and the Constitution 2. The Russian Federation. Internal strengths and strains 3. The political arena 4. Economic patterns and the sanctions saga 5. Russia in the world. Changing patterns 6. New Cold War. The Russian Federation, the United States — and China 7. The re-militarization of Russia, and the end of arms control? 8. Quality of life: Media, mind and behaviour 9. Quality of life: Pandemic, body & soul Closing remarks: what’s left after 2020?
