Over the past century alone, Russia has lived through great achievements and deepest misery; mass heroism and mass crime; over-blown ambition and near-hopeless despair - always emerging with its sovereignty and its fiercely independent spirit intact.

In this book, leading Russia scholar Dmitri Trenin accompanies readers on Russia's rollercoaster journey from revolution to post-war devastation, perestroika to Putin's stabilization of post-Communist Russia. Explaining the causes and the meaning of the numerous twists and turns in contemporary Russian history, he offers a vivid insider's view of a country through one of its most trying and often tragic periods. Today, he cautions, Russia stands at a turning point - politically, economically and socially - its situation strikingly reminiscent of the Russian Empire in its final years. For the Russian Federation to avoid a similar demise, it must learn the lessons of its own history.

About the Author

Dmitri Trenin, Ph.D., has been Director of the Carnegie Moscow Center since 2008. A regular commentator on Russian affairs, he is the author of numerous books, including Should We Fear Russia? (2016) and What is Russia Up to in the Middle East? (2017).

Reviews

"Trenin's succinct, balanced, and thoughtful book is a valuable guide to modern Russian history as seen from the other side."
Sir Rodric Braithwaite, former British ambassador in Moscow and author of Armageddon & Paranoia: The Nuclear Confrontation

"A brilliant, concise interpretation of 120 years of Russian history, plus an insightful look at the future. Essential reading for all concerned about the dangerous - and unnecessary - revival of Cold War tensions."
Jack Matlock, former US ambassador and author of Reagan and Gorbachev: How the Cold War Ended

"Admirably succinct and thought-provoking"
Edward Lucas, The Times

"Trenin provides a succinct account of Russia's turbulent twentieth-century history in this informative book."
Angela Stent, Survival

Book Information
ISBN 9781509527670
Author Dmitri Trenin
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 181g
Dimensions(mm) 173mm * 114mm * 15mm