Keir Giles, a senior expert on Russia at Britain's prestigious Chatham House, describes how Russian leaders have used consistent doctrinal and strategic approaches to the rest of the world. These approaches may seem deeply alien in the West, but understanding them is essential for successful engagement with Moscow. Giles argues that understanding how Moscow's leaders think-not just Vladimir Putin but his predecessors and eventual successors-will help their counterparts in the West develop a less crisis-prone and more productive relationship with Russia.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part I: Russia's Place in the World

1. A World Apart

2. Great Power and Empire

3. Russia under Threat

4. Winning the Cold War

Part II: Russia's Internal System

5. Ruling Russia

6. The Individual and the State

Part III: Russia's Inheritance

7. Russia's Moral Framework

8. History Matters

Part IV: Prospects for Change

9. Opposition, Protests, and Discontent

10. Change from Within

Conclusion: The Way Forward

Notes

Index