MACMILLAN Russian Politics and Response to Globalization

This book analyzes the nature of Russia’s involvement with globalization. To date, Russia has mainly followed a course of selective openness governed by an increasingly strong state pursuing self-determination and its own vision of strategic objectives and forms of cooperation, rather than the projected reproduction of global convergence. It is also a country that is believed to be finding a new place and position for itself in the evolving global order, where European and American reflections shape the treatment of contemporary questions concerning Russia’s status in the world. The book highlights the problems and conflicts associated with political developments, democratization, economic reforms, and innovation, as well as societal perceptions and national identity formation. The world is shifting, with Russia developing its own vision of global politics and cultivating a pragmatic strategy based on national interest, one that supports globalization where necessary and opposes it where conflicts of interest and values are inevitable. Review ‘Globalization is one of the central and yet most contentious issues of our age. Kochtcheeva expertly examines Russia’s ambivalent engagement with the phenomenon, arguing that its approach is marked by the complex interplay of domestic concerns and the projection of national identity and interests in the international arena. Russian views have evolved from eager endorsement to attempts to shape globalization processes, reflecting greater confidence and assertiveness on the world stage. Russian views of globalization have become part of globalization itself. This important and timely study is an essential contribution to the study of Russian foreign policy, national identity and globalization.’ ―    Richard Sakwa, Professor of Russian and European Politics, University of Kent, UK ‘Kochtcheeva addresses a largely unexamined topic in examining Russia’s adaptation to the forces of globalization. Her work contemplates the processes of globalization in Russia as an outgrowth of both domestic and external factors, relying on a wide range of source materials including extensive interviews. In Kochtcheeva’s view, Russia both contributes to and is responsive to the forces of globalization, often occupying a intermediate position as both a “receiver” and a “sender” society. This book is especially valuable in going beyond the neo-liberal discourse characteristic of most of the scholarship on globalization and employing a comparative historical context that offers a largely Russian, rather than Western perspective, on Russia’s domestic and international behavior. As such, it makes an important contribution to the literature on globalization and Russia, which is rich in insights and analytical assessments.’ ―    Jeanne Wilson, Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Wheaton College, USA ‘This original volume provides us with a powerful interdisciplinary perspective on Russia’s attitude to globalization. Dr. Lada Kochtcheeva’s book pushes forward the conventional wisdom of Russia as outside of globalization. It makes a compelling case for understanding contemporary Russia as a state which is both contributor to and recipient of globalization, a great power balancing between adaptation to and confrontation with the current global world order.’ ―    Stanislav L. Tkachenko, Professor of International Relations, St. Petersburg State University, Russia ‘Russian Politics and Response to Globalization provides a powerful insight into contemporary Russian developments examining the nature of Russia’s involvement with globalization. Written with passion and rigor, this volume puts together not only extensive analysis of Russian politics, economy and culture based on original empirical research, but also a new interpretation of the challenges arising from a particular context of Russia establishing a new position and place for itself in the evolving global order. Kochtchee