The New Politics of Russia

(Hardback, 2nd edition)

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This illuminating book explains how and why Russias relations with the west have deteriorated to the point of initiating a new era of great power competition. An updated version of the bestselling 2016 edition, it explores the decline in relations since the early 2000s, taking in the war in Syria and the 2022 escalation in Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Beyond geopolitical considerations, the book delves into the nature of power in Russia itself, providing an in-depth examination of the networks of influence that define the country's political landscape. In doing so it moves beyond the simplistic, Putin-centric narratives often found in western accounts, offering readers a fresh perspective on Russian politics.

Understanding Russia is crucial for western leaders seeking to establish stable and constructive relations in the future. The new politics of Russia serves as a key resource, challenging conventional wisdom and unpicking the complex dynamics at play in the relationship between Russia and the west.

Reviews

Praise for the first edition

'In this lucid and important book, Andrew Monaghan argues that the West's capacity to understand Russia has been gravely run down. When Russia started reasserting itself in uncomfortable ways, we seized on Putin's personal role as an over-simple explanation. Our response has inevitably been overexcited and muddled.'
Sir Rodric Braithwaite, British Ambassador to the USSR/Russia 1988-92

'After years of less than benign neglect, this study places the "Russian question" front and center as substantively and objectively as possible. A must-read for those interested in foreign policy, experts and laymen alike, but especially for junior and senior policy-makers.'
David Glantz, Chief Editor, Journal of Slavic Military Studies

'A timely and sober corrective to the often ill-informed and contradictory analyses of Russia that are dominant today. This book cuts through hysteria and conventional wisdom, and is essential reading for those seeking to understand the challenges of dealing with Russia. '
Richard Connolly, Co-Director, Centre for Russian, European and Eurasian Studies, University of Birmingham

'Finally, the debate has been taken beyond a polarised discussion of the reasons behind the deterioration in Russia-Western relations. Monaghan gets to the heart of the most complex questions as to why many Western policymakers have struggled to understand Russia's actions and do more than simply react. A must-read for Western decision-makers'.
Sarah Lain, Research Fellow, Royal United Services Institute, London

'Those with an existing interest in Russia should read this book. Those without an existing interest, even more so: you have found the place to start. Dr Monaghan's excellent book is lucid, accessible and could not have come at a better time.'
Megan Edwards, Defence Specialist, Defence Select Committee, House of Commons

For the most part, I concur with Monaghans approach. The new politics of Russia expertly dismantles the way the West views Russia. The book is a refreshing addition to the literature on Russian-Western relations.
Paul Robinson, University of Ottawa, Irrussianality

This is a masterful book and a refreshing read. Its valuable both to those newer to studying Russia and to anyone who finds it hard to navigate between claim and counter-claim (most of us, including myself!). It has gone straight on my student reading list.
Luke March, FORUM

As Monaghan so forcefully argues, "getting Russia right" matters so that misunderstandings do not escalate into conflict, and might eventually lead to fruitful cooperation. His book is an important start to a renewed debate on Russia and essential reading for anyone who needs to understand the country.
Alicky Denton, RUSI Journal

It is written in such a way as to be accessible to those well-versed on the subject and to the novice. And with Putin almost certain to run for another six-year term in 2018, this new politics of Russia will likely be around for some time.
Lincoln E. Flake, The Journal of Slavic Military Studies

Andrew Monaghans The new politics of Russia: Interpreting change offers a concise but thorough review of the key issues that have spurred a growing strategic dissonance between the West and Russia over the past twenty-five years and which have been amplified recently with Russias intervention in Ukraine.
John A. Pennell, Mission Director for USAID/Caucasus

Andrew Monaghans compact and stimulating monograph is well worth reading.
Martin Dewhirst, Journal International Affairs

Andrew Monaghan presents a convincing analysis of the strategic dissonance between the West and Russia. In this well-written book, which targets policymakers more than the scholarly community, he not only clearly lays out the problem but also points to a solution.
Zerrin Torun, Europe-Asia Studies

Author Bio

Andrew Monaghan is Director of the Russia Research Network and a Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London. He is the author of Dealing with the Russians (2019), and Power in Modern Russia (2017).