The Russia Anxiety: And How History Can Resolve It
The Russia Anxiety: And How History Can Resolve It
Smith, Mark B.
product information
Condition: New, UPC: 9780190886059, Publication Date: Tue, October 1, 2019, Type: Hardcover ,
join & start selling
description
6A history of Russophobia and its living legacy in world affairs

With proof of election-meddling and the relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin an ongoing conundrum, little wonder many Americans are experiencing what historian Mark B. Smith calls "the Russia Anxiety." This is no new phenomenon. Time and time again, the West has judged Russia on assumptions of its inherent cunning, malevolence, and brutality. Yet for much of its history, Russia functioned no differently-or at least no more dysfunctionally-than other absolutist, war-mongering European states. So what is it about this country that so often provokes such excessive responses? And why is this so dangerous?

Russian history can indeed be viewed as a catalog of brutal violence, in which a rotation of secret police-from Ivan the Terrible's Oprichina to Andropov's KGB and Putin's FSB-hold absolute sway. However, as Smith shows, there are nevertheless deeper political and cultural factors that could lead to democratic outcomes. Violence is not an innate element of Russian culture, and Russia is not unknowable. From foreign interference and cyber-attacks to mega-corruption and nuclear weapons, Smith uses Russia's sprawling history to throw light on contemporary concerns. Smith reveals how the past has created today's Russia and how this past offers hints about its future place in the world-one that reaches beyond crisis and confrontation.

reviews

Be the first to write a review

member goods

No member items were found under this heading.

notems store

The Longest Echo

by Dempsey, Eoin

Paperback /Paperback

$11.21

The Legend of Drizzt, Book ...

by Salvatore, R. A.

Paperback /Paperback

$14.96

Brave Girl, Quiet Girl

by Hyde, Catherine Ryan

Hardcover /Hardcover

$18.71

MIS Ăšltimos 10 Minutos Y ...

by Shafak, Elif

Paperback /Paperback

$14.96

listens & views

BEST OF (GER)

by JURGENS,UDO

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$15.99

SCHEIN UND SEIN (GER)

by PUR

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$27.99

SI J'ETAIS (VERSION ORIGINALE) (CAN)

by RICHARD COCCIANTE

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$13.99

KITAYAMASUGI/1ST ALBUM (MINI LP SLEEVE) ...

by UMEMATSURI

COMPACT DISC

out of stock

$18.99

Return Policy

All sales are final

Shipping

No special shipping considerations available.
Shipping fees determined at checkout.