AshehougAgency

Russia - People, History, Politics, Culture

After the Soviet Union and Soviet communism disappeared, Russia introduced Western style democracy. But how democratic is Putin’s and Medvedev’s Russia today? How new is the new Russia?

While re-establishing itself as a superpower, Russia is still more open to the world than it has been for a very long time. With many Russians travelling to the West, and ever more Westerners visiting Russia, the need for knowledge about the country and its inhabitants is increasing.

In this richly illustrated book professor of Russia and Eastern Europe studies Pål Kolstø takes us beyond all the quick simplifications and stereotypes, supplementing our image of Russia with sharp analyses and interesting details. To understand how Russians of today think and feel we have to look for traces in the country’s history, in its politics, religion, culture and literature.

Praise for RUSSIA:

“Kolstø’s road map to Russian time and space is […] exemplary. His book represents the best within popularization of scientific work.”
(Ny tid)

”Pål Kolstø dares to give a portrait for both the general and the informed reader … The author is excellent at asking the right questions, and he doesn’t shy away from letting the answers remain ambiguous as long as they are well reasoned.”
(Dagsavisen )

First published: 2008, Aschehoug Non-Fiction
Pål Kolstø: Biography and bibliography