Richard Sakwa

The work examines the metapolitics of the Second Cold War. The focus is less on the detailed analysis of diplomatic history and processes in international politics, and more on the underlying attitudes and ideologies that have generated and sustained Cold War 2. The work examines the definition of a Cold War and reasons for the persistence of this form of international politics, as well as the clash over interpretations of the causes of renewed conflict. The work then looks at how this Cold War is being conducted, including renewed militarism, the suppression of dissent, the decline of diplomacy and the reduced opportunities for dialogue. The instruments of the Cold War 2 include sanctions and the reinterpretation of history and memory wars. Many of the familiar methods drawn from Cold War 1 are now applied, but in novel ways to reflect technological change as well as the different ideological contexts. The position of the global South in this Cold War is examined, and the work ends with some reflections on possible ways this Cold War could end.

The Russia Scare assesses the scope, character and extent of Russian interference in the affairs of liberal democratic states. This book examines the ‘Russia scare’ in a dynamic manner, stressing the interaction between threat perception, responses and subsequent policies. What forms did this threat take, what were the instruments used, how effective were the deployed tools and who were the allies with whom Russia worked in these endeavours? Above all, what impact did interference have on target societies? The book explores why Russia engaged in such activities, what the probable chain of command was (if any) and the role of the Russian leadership in all of this, as well as investigating the response of Western societies and governments. The author sifts the real from the imagined, which can only be achieved by establishing the larger historical context. He scrutinises the fundamental question: was Russia before the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 really engaged in a sustained ‘hybrid warfare’ campaign to sow discord and undermine Western democracies? If so, what were the strategic purposes underlying such an activity? Various hypotheses are analysed, notably that Russian post-Cold War activity is nothing exceptional in the context of great power confrontation; that all great powers are engaged in one way or another in such actions, and thus contextualisation is important; and that Russia’s subversive activity was often exaggerated, even misrepresented. Responses potentially amplified the elements of subversion represented by the original threat. Threats exist, but responses always need to be calibrated so as not to inflict self-harm on the integrity of liberal democracy itself. This book will be of great interest to students, scholars and academics of international relations, comparative politics, security and defence studies, global governance and Russian politics, as well as politicians, political advisers, NGOs, diplomats and journalists.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This perceptive Advanced Introduction provides a contemporary analysis of Russia’s political system, political institutions and its place on the global stage. Richard Sakwa deftly explores Russia’s emergence as an independent state, examining the structure of its existing political and economic system, its transformation following the constitutional reform of 2020, and the immediate and long-term consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war. The book offers a concise overview of Putin’s leadership, assessing the domestic and international impact across his presidential terms. This informative and prescient Advanced Introduction ultimately goes on to question whether Russia can survive in its present state and considers a series of potential future outcomes. Key Features:Assesses Putin’s leadership and political repercussionsDelivers comparative analysis of Russia’s political institutionsAnalyses key facets of Russia’s domestic and international politicsEvaluates the short and long-term effects of the Russia-Ukraine warThis book will be a highly important read for scholars and academics specialising in international politics, international relations, comparative politics and geopolitics. Offering an incisive summary of Russia’s national and international political position, this Advanced Introduction will also be of interest to career professionals working in international development and diplomacy.

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This perceptive Advanced Introduction provides a contemporary analysis of Russia’s political system, political institutions and its place on the global stage. Richard Sakwa deftly explores Russia’s emergence as an independent state, examining the structure of its existing political and economic system, its transformation following the constitutional reform of 2020, and the immediate and long-term consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war. The book offers a concise overview of Putin’s leadership, assessing the domestic and international impact across his presidential terms. This informative and prescient Advanced Introduction ultimately goes on to question whether Russia can survive in its present state and considers a series of potential future outcomes. Key Features:Assesses Putin’s leadership and political repercussionsDelivers comparative analysis of Russia’s political institutionsAnalyses key facets of Russia’s domestic and international politicsEvaluates the short and long-term effects of the Russia-Ukraine warThis book will be a highly important read for scholars and academics specialising in international politics, international relations, comparative politics and geopolitics. Offering an incisive summary of Russia’s national and international political position, this Advanced Introduction will also be of interest to career professionals working in international development and diplomacy.

The end of the Cold War was an opportunity—our inability to seize it has led to today’s renewed era of great power competition “An eloquent and persuasive argument about how the world squandered the promise of the end of the Cold War.”—Maria Lipman, Foreign Affairs The year 1989 heralded a unique prospect for an enduring global peace as harsh ideological divisions and conflicts began to be resolved. Now, three decades on, that peace has been lost. With war in Ukraine and increasing tensions between China, Russia, and the West, great power politics once again dominates the world stage. But could it have been different? Richard Sakwa shows how the years before the first mass invasion of Ukraine represented a hiatus in conflict rather than a lasting accord—and how, since then, we have been in a “Second Cold War.” Tracing the mistakes on both sides that led to the current crisis, Sakwa considers the resurgence of China and Russia and the disruptions and ambitions of the liberal order that opened up catastrophic new lines of conflict. This is a vital, strongly argued account of how the world lost its chance at peace, and instead saw the return of war in Europe, global rivalries, and nuclear brinksmanship.

The ‘Russiagate’ affair is one of the most far-reaching political events of recent years. But what exactly was the nature and extent of Russian interference in the campaign that led to the presidency of Donald J. Trump? Richard Sakwa sets out the dramatic series of events that combined to create Russiagate and examines whether together they form a persuasive account of Russia’s role in the extraordinary 2016 American election. Offering a meticulous account of the multiple layers in play, his authoritative analysis challenges the claims of Russian interference and collusion. As we enter into a new cold war, this myth-busting, accessible and balanced account is essential reading to understand contemporary East-West relations.

The Russia Scare assesses the scope, character and extent of Russian interference in the affairs of liberal democratic states. This book examines the ‘Russia scare’ in a dynamic manner, stressing the interaction between threat perception, responses and subsequent policies. What forms did this threat take, what were the instruments used, how effective were the deployed tools and who were the allies with whom Russia worked in these endeavours? Above all, what impact did interference have on target societies? The book explores why Russia engaged in such activities, what the probable chain of command was (if any) and the role of the Russian leadership in all of this, as well as investigating the response of Western societies and governments. The author sifts the real from the imagined, which can only be achieved by establishing the larger historical context. He scrutinises the fundamental question: was Russia before the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 really engaged in a sustained ‘hybrid warfare’ campaign to sow discord and undermine Western democracies? If so, what were the strategic purposes underlying such an activity? Various hypotheses are analysed, notably that Russian post-Cold War activity is nothing exceptional in the context of great power confrontation; that all great powers are engaged in one way or another in such actions, and thus contextualisation is important; and that Russia’s subversive activity was often exaggerated, even misrepresented. Responses potentially amplified the elements of subversion represented by the original threat. Threats exist, but responses always need to be calibrated so as not to inflict self-harm on the integrity of liberal democracy itself. This book will be of great interest to students, scholars and academics of international relations, comparative politics, security and defence studies, global governance and Russian politics, as well as politicians, political advisers, NGOs, diplomats and journalists.

The unfolding crisis in Ukraine has brought the world to the brink of a new Cold War. As Russia and Ukraine tussle for Crimea and the eastern regions, relations between Putin and the West have reached an all-time low. How did we get here? Richard Sakwa here unpicks the context of conflicted Ukrainian identity and of Russo-Ukrainian relations and traces the path to the recent disturbances through the events which have forced Ukraine, a country internally divided between East and West, to choose between closer union with Europe or its historic ties with Russia. In providing the first full account of the ongoing crisis, Sakwa analyses the origins and significance of the Euromaidan Protests, examines the controversial Russian military intervention and annexation of Crimea, reveals the extent of the catastrophe of the MH17 disaster and looks at possible ways forward following the October 2014 parliamentary elections. In doing so, he explains the origins, developments and global significance of the internal and external battle for Ukraine. With all eyes focused on the region, Sakwa unravels the myths and misunderstandings of the situation, providing an essential and highly readable account of the struggle for Europe's contested borderlands.

The ‘Russiagate’ affair is one of the most far-reaching political events of recent years. But what exactly was the nature and extent of Russian interference in the campaign that led to the presidency of Donald J. Trump? Richard Sakwa sets out the dramatic series of events that combined to create Russiagate and examines whether together they form a persuasive account of Russia’s role in the extraordinary 2016 American election. Offering a meticulous account of the multiple layers in play, his authoritative analysis challenges the claims of Russian interference and collusion. As we enter into a new cold war, this myth-busting, accessible and balanced account is essential reading to understand contemporary East-West relations.

Fully revised and updated to reflect the considerable changes in Russia over the last decade, the fifth edition of this classic text builds on the strengths of previous editions to provide a comprehensive and sophisticated analysis of Russian politics and society. The new edition incorporates the latest debates about Russian politics, analysing recent institutional and political developments, and examines the electoral cycle and prospects of the president elected at the end of the process. New to this edition:an evaluation of Putin’s leadership and the country's political performance under him;updated election results and demographic, social, ethnic/national statistics to include results of the 2010 census;changes in the party system, to electoral legislation and to the composition of parliament as well as the relationship between the executive and legislature; coverage of the constitutional changes and governmental appointments under the various prime ministers; more analysis of economic performance including discussion of the energy sector and pipeline politics;changes in Russian foreign policy since EU enlargement, its relationship with NATO since the ‘reset’, as well as its relations with post-Soviet states;assessment of the military reforms and security and defence policy;debates over the question of democracy in Russia today, the nature of the system, and its future prospects. Written in an accessible and lively style, this book is packed with detailed information on the central debates and issues in Russia’s difficult transformation. An unrivalled textbook on the subject it is essential reading for all those concerned with the fate of Russia, and with the future of international society.

Fully revised and updated to reflect the considerable changes in Russia over the last decade, the fifth edition of this classic text builds on the strengths of previous editions to provide a comprehensive and sophisticated analysis of Russian politics and society. The new edition incorporates the latest debates about Russian politics, analysing recent institutional and political developments, and examines the electoral cycle and prospects of the president elected at the end of the process. New to this edition:an evaluation of Putin’s leadership and the country's political performance under him;updated election results and demographic, social, ethnic/national statistics to include results of the 2010 census;changes in the party system, to electoral legislation and to the composition of parliament as well as the relationship between the executive and legislature; coverage of the constitutional changes and governmental appointments under the various prime ministers; more analysis of economic performance including discussion of the energy sector and pipeline politics;changes in Russian foreign policy since EU enlargement, its relationship with NATO since the ‘reset’, as well as its relations with post-Soviet states;assessment of the military reforms and security and defence policy;debates over the question of democracy in Russia today, the nature of the system, and its future prospects. Written in an accessible and lively style, this book is packed with detailed information on the central debates and issues in Russia’s difficult transformation. An unrivalled textbook on the subject it is essential reading for all those concerned with the fate of Russia, and with the future of international society.

Vladimir Putin has emerged as one of the key leaders of the twenty-first century. However, he is also recognized as one of the most divisive. Abroad, his assertion of Russia's interests and critique of the western-dominated international system has brought him into conflict with Atlantic powers. Within Russia, he has balanced various factions within the elite intelligentsia alongside the wider support of Russian society. So what is the 'Putin paradox?' Richard Sakwa grapples with Putin's personal and political development on both the international political scene and within the domestic political landscape of Russia. This study historicizes the Putin paradox, through theoretical, historical and political analysis and in light of wider developments in Russian society. Richard Sakwa presents the Putin paradox as a unique regime type - balancing numerous contradictions - in order to adapt to its material environment while maintaining sufficient authority with which to shape it.

Vladimir Putin has emerged as one of the key leaders of the twenty-first century. However, he is also recognized as one of the most divisive. Abroad, his assertion of Russia's interests and critique of the western-dominated international system has brought him into conflict with Atlantic powers. Within Russia, he has balanced various factions within the elite intelligentsia alongside the wider support of Russian society. So what is the 'Putin paradox?' Richard Sakwa grapples with Putin's personal and political development on both the international political scene and within the domestic political landscape of Russia. This study historicizes the Putin paradox, through theoretical, historical and political analysis and in light of wider developments in Russian society. Richard Sakwa presents the Putin paradox as a unique regime type - balancing numerous contradictions - in order to adapt to its material environment while maintaining sufficient authority with which to shape it.

Russia is back as a major force in global politics, but what does this mean? Is Russia the dangerous revisionist foe that meddles in Western elections and tries to subvert the liberal international order? Or is it a country precariously trying to maintain security and enhance prosperity at home, while re-asserting its place as a great power in the world today? In this book, renowned Russia scholar Richard Sakwa explores current debates on Russia, placing them in historical context and outlining the fundamental challenges currently facing the country. Post-communist Russia had to grapple with a unique set of problems, including reconstituting the political system, rebuilding the economy, re-imagining the nation, and rethinking Russia’s place in the world. The solutions are still being sought, but this hard-hitting study argues that the failure to create an international system in which Russia’s transformation became part of a revised world order has made the search far more difficult than it may otherwise have been. Although Russia is one of the oldest states in Europe, in its contemporary guise it is one of the youngest. Russia has had many pasts and, given its size, centrality and complexity, it will also have many futures.

Russia is back as a major force in global politics, but what does this mean? Is Russia the dangerous revisionist foe that meddles in Western elections and tries to subvert the liberal international order? Or is it a country precariously trying to maintain security and enhance prosperity at home, while re-asserting its place as a great power in the world today? In this book, renowned Russia scholar Richard Sakwa explores current debates on Russia, placing them in historical context and outlining the fundamental challenges currently facing the country. Post-communist Russia had to grapple with a unique set of problems, including reconstituting the political system, rebuilding the economy, re-imagining the nation, and rethinking Russia’s place in the world. The solutions are still being sought, but this hard-hitting study argues that the failure to create an international system in which Russia’s transformation became part of a revised world order has made the search far more difficult than it may otherwise have been. Although Russia is one of the oldest states in Europe, in its contemporary guise it is one of the youngest. Russia has had many pasts and, given its size, centrality and complexity, it will also have many futures.

In this book Richard Sakwa provides a new analysis of the end of the Cold War and the subsequent failure to create a comprehensive and inclusive peace order in Europe. The end of the Cold War did not create a sustainable peace system. Instead, for a quarter of a century a 'cold peace' reflected the tension between cooperative and competitive behaviour. None of the fundamental problems of European security were resolved, and tensions accumulated. In 2014 the crisis exploded in the form of conflict in Ukraine, provoking what some call a 'new Cold War'. Russia against the Rest challenges the view that this is a replay of the old conflict, explaining how the tensions between Russia and the Atlantic community reflect a global realignment of the international system. Sakwa provides a balanced and carefully researched analysis of the trajectory of European and global politics since the late 1980s.

In this book Richard Sakwa provides a new analysis of the end of the Cold War and the subsequent failure to create a comprehensive and inclusive peace order in Europe. The end of the Cold War did not create a sustainable peace system. Instead, for a quarter of a century a 'cold peace' reflected the tension between cooperative and competitive behaviour. None of the fundamental problems of European security were resolved, and tensions accumulated. In 2014 the crisis exploded in the form of conflict in Ukraine, provoking what some call a 'new Cold War'. Russia against the Rest challenges the view that this is a replay of the old conflict, explaining how the tensions between Russia and the Atlantic community reflect a global realignment of the international system. Sakwa provides a balanced and carefully researched analysis of the trajectory of European and global politics since the late 1980s.

Kriisin taustat yksissä kansissaUkrainan kriisi on saattanut maailman uuden kylmän sodan partaalle. Miten tähän tilanteeseen on päädytty?" Taistelu Ukrainasta" purkaa Venäjän ja Ukrainan välistä suhdevyyhtiä ja kartoittaa tien kahakoihin. Se kertaa tapahtumat, jotka ovat pakottaneet Ukrainan tekemään valinnan eurooppalaisen yhteistyön ja historiallisten Venäjä-suhteiden välillä. Teos on ainutlaatuisen kattava kooste Ukrainan kriisistä. Se avaa konfliktin kansainvälistä merkitystä ja kuvaa taustatekijät, jotka ovat ajaneet Ukrainan sisäiseen ja ulkoiseen kriisiin. Kirja paljastaa myös lukuisat taustalla vaikuttavat myytit ja väärinymmärrykset. Richard Sakwa on Venäjän ja Euroopan politiikan tutkimuksen professori Kentin yliopistossa Isossa-Britanniassa.

Vad handlar egentligen konflikten i och kring Ukraina om? Det är frågan som den brittiske historikern Richard Sakwa försöker besvara i boken Frontlinje Ukraina. Den är akademiskt pionjärverk som publicerades 2015 men som genom händelserna den senaste tiden fått förnyad aktualitet. I sin bok visar Richard Sakwa med nyansrika argument och stor detaljrikedom att den i väst dominerande bilden av Ukrainakonflikten på avgörande punkter är ofullständig eller missvisande. Det gäller den internationella sidan av konflikten, där författaren hävdar att den grundläggande orsaken bakom tvisten inte är rysk expansionism, utan en västlig sådan, i form av USA, EU och Nato. Det gäller den inhemska sidan av konflikten, där författaren lägger stor vikt vid hur den intensifierades när en extremnationalistisk rörelse med våld tog makten i Kiev 2014. Richard Sakwa är professor i rysk och europeisk politisk historia vid University of Kent och ledamot av Storbritanniens Academy of Social Sciences. Med fyra betydande verk, och en överväldigande mängd artiklar, är Richard Sakwa den mest produktive Rysslandsforskaren i vårt nya sekel. Perry Anderson i New Left Review Ett verk utan motstycke. Äntligen en balanserad bedömning av den ukrainska konflikten! Sakwa ger den hittills bästa analysen i bokform av händelserna i östra Ukraina, liksom i Kiev, Washington, Bryssel och Moskva. Jonathan Steele, Guardian Jag rekommenderar den här boken till var och en som är det minsta intresserad av att skilja ut verkligheten ur den täta propagandadimma i vilken den för närvarande ligger insvept. Allmänt sett är boken ett intelligent, välunderbyggt och tankeväckande försök att förklara vår tids stora kris." Peter Hitchens, Daily Mail "Sakwas styrka är att han lyckas komma innanför pannbenet på samtliga parter och att han är kompromisslöst rättvis gentemot dem alla: ryssarna, rebellerna, den ukrainska regeringen, EU och USA. Ingen av dem undkommer helskinnad. Jonathan Power Sakwa behandlar de olika perspektiven på ett rättvisande sätt och han är minutiöst noggrann i sin rekonstruktion av händelserna, det må vara den våldsamma upptrappningen av Majdanprotesterna, Krimutbrytningen eller revolten i öster. Geoffrey Roberts, professor i historia, Irish Times Frontlinje Ukraina är ett mäktigt, respektingivande, välargumenterat och noggrant researchat försök att korrigera världsopinionen om Ukrainakonflikten. Även de som inte kan acceptera Sakwas underliggande tes att den ukrainska katastrofen är orsakad mer av västs segerrus efter det kalla krigets slut än av president Putins påstådda imperialism kommer att hitta ovärderliga fakta och perspektiv i detta briljanta och hårdslående verk. Neal Ascherson, journalist och författare till bl.a. flera böcker om Polens och Ukrainas historia"Sakwa talar i sin föredömligt analytiska framställning om en 'monism' som en gång för alla vill göra sig av med det ryska och sovjetiska arvet. Den har sina rötter i västra Ukraina, särskilt i de områden där ryska, habsburgska eller polska maktambitioner har mötts i historien. Mot den står en 'pluralism' som vill behålla den mångfald som alltid existerat på det stora ukrainska territoriet. Efter februarirevolutionen 2014 har monismen blivit den statsbärande ideologin i Kiev och det är mot den som rebellerna i Donbass med hjälp av ryska vapen kämpar. Sakwa är professor i rysk och europeisk politisk historia vid University of Kent och han är väl skickad att analysera de intrikata spänningsfälten i Östeuropa och Ryssland. Han har själv polsk bakgrund och har dokumenterat sig som specialist på det moderna Ryssland bland annat genom en inträngande studie av Putins maktspel och genom en uppmärksammad bok om Chodorkovskij-affären. Bokens nyktra och faktabaserade analys gör den till nödvändig läsning för alla som vill förstå Ukrainakrisen och dess bakgrund. Sakwa redovisar noggrant ukrainsk politik från Sovjetunionens sammanbrott och framåt. Han går igenom de viktigaste vändpunkterna, från den orangefärgade revolutionen 2004 till Majdanupproret 2014." Torsten Kälvemark i Aftonbladet