Russian Politics Since Post-USSR: KPRF, ROC and Anti-Westernism

Date: 23rd January 2025

INDEX

• Bibliography
• The Dissolution of the USSR
• Political Structure Under Vladimir Putin
• The Russian Constitution
• Orthodox Church in the Formation of Russian Politics

Russian Politics Since the Breakup of the USSR: Impact on the Communist Party and the Rise of New Political Discourses

The dissolution of the Soviet Union (USSR) in 1991 marked one of the most significant geopolitical shifts of the 20th century. It deeply affected Russia’s domestic politics, economy, and international standing. The collapse of the USSR not only ended the communist regime that had governed for nearly 70 years but also led to the emergence of a multiparty system, the privatization of state assets, and the creation of new political ideologies in post-Soviet Russia.

The Dissolution of the USSR and Its Immediate Aftermath

The Soviet Union officially ceased to exist on December 26, 1991, following the signing of the Belovezh Accords by Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. This event was precipitated by long-standing economic stagnation, political inefficiencies, nationalist movements in the republics, and the reform policies of Mikhail Gorbachev, including glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring).

With the collapse of the USSR:

• 15 independent states emerged, with Russia as the largest and the de facto successor to the Soviet Union.
• The Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), which had been the backbone of Soviet governance, was banned by Boris Yeltsin, Russia’s first president.
• Political and economic chaos ensued, marked by a sharp decline in GDP, hyperinflation, and widespread poverty.

Impact on the Communist Party

The collapse of the USSR dealt a severe blow to the Communist Party:

1. Loss of Power and Status:
   The CPSU, which had monopolized political power, was banned in Russia and other former Soviet republics. Its assets were confiscated, and its influence drastically diminished.
2. Emergence of Successor Organizations:
   In Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) was established in 1993 as a successor to the CPSU. Led by Gennady Zyuganov, the KPRF positioned itself as the main opposition party advocating for socialism, nationalization of industries, and the restoration of Russia’s status as a superpower.
3. Declining Influence Over Time:
   While the KPRF enjoyed significant support in the 1990s, its influence waned in the 21st century due to internal divisions, an inability to modernize its platform, and the dominance of Vladimir Putin’s political regime.

Rise of New Political Discourses

The breakup of the USSR opened space for diverse political ideologies and actors to emerge. Below are the key developments:

1. Transition to a Multiparty System

Post-Soviet Russia adopted a constitution in 1993 that established a presidential system and a multiparty democracy. However, the transition was marred by challenges:

• Dozens of political parties were created, but most lacked clear ideologies or mass support.
• Many parties served as vehicles for individual leaders rather than grassroots movements.

2. Boris Yeltsin’s Presidency (1991–1999): The Era of Liberal Reforms

Under Yeltsin, Russia pursued radical economic reforms, including:

• Shock Therapy: Rapid privatization of state assets, which led to the rise of oligarchs and deepened economic inequality.
• Western Alignment: Efforts to integrate Russia into the global capitalist economy and establish closer ties with Western powers.

Yeltsin’s government faced criticism for economic hardship, corruption, and the chaotic nature of reforms. This discontent paved the way for the emergence of opposition forces, including the KPRF and nationalist groups.

3. Vladimir Putin’s Rise and the Consolidation of Power

Vladimir Putin’s ascent to the presidency in 2000 marked a turning point in Russian politics:

• Authoritarian Centralization: Putin dismantled the oligarchic power structures of the 1990s and centralized authority in the Kremlin.
• Restoration of National Pride: His government promoted a strong state, traditional values, and a narrative of Russia’s resurgence as a global power.
• Managed Democracy: While elections continued, opposition parties faced restrictions, and the political landscape was dominated by the ruling United Russia party.

4. Emergence of Nationalism and Populism

The 2000s saw the rise of nationalist and populist ideologies in Russia:

• Anti-Western Sentiment: Fueled by NATO expansion and Western criticism of Russia, anti-Western rhetoric became a cornerstone of Russian politics.
• Annexation of Crimea (2014): This event was framed as a triumph of Russian nationalism and consolidated domestic support for Putin.

5. Civil Society and Opposition Movements

Despite state control, opposition movements and activists emerged, including:

• Alexei Navalny: A prominent critic of corruption and Putin’s government.
• Protests: Large-scale protests occurred in response to electoral fraud (2011–2012) and controversial policies, showcasing a growing but constrained civil society.

Key Examples of Political Shifts

1. Privatization and Oligarchs:
   The 1990s privatization led to the concentration of wealth among a small group of oligarchs. This economic disparity became a point of criticism for opposition parties like the KPRF.
2. Chechen Wars (1994–1996, 1999–2009):
   The conflicts in Chechnya highlighted Russia’s struggle to maintain territorial integrity and showcased the challenges of post-Soviet governance.
3. Foreign Policy Realignments:
   Russia’s pivot away from the West and toward a more assertive, Eurasianist approach under Putin reshaped its international identity.

Russia’s New Political Structure Under Vladimir Putin and the Russian Constitution

Since Vladimir Putin rose to power in 2000, Russia has undergone significant political and constitutional changes. These reforms have solidified centralized control, redefined the balance of power, and shaped the functioning of the Russian Federation’s government. The political structure of Russia today revolves around a “managed democracy,” where the state heavily regulates political competition while maintaining the appearance of democratic governance.

The Russian Constitution: Foundation of Governance

The Russian Constitution, adopted in 1993 during Boris Yeltsin’s presidency, remains the foundational legal document governing the Russian Federation. However, under Vladimir Putin, constitutional amendments and executive practices have altered its original intent. Key features of the Constitution include:

1. Federal Structure:
   • Russia is a federal state, comprising 89 subjects (republics, territories, regions, cities of federal significance, autonomous regions, and districts).
   • The constitution grants these entities varying degrees of autonomy, but in practice, central authority prevails.
2. Presidential System:
   • The President of Russia is the head of state and holds extensive powers, including the authority to appoint the Prime Minister, dissolve the State Duma, and issue decrees with the force of law.
   • The President serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and oversees foreign policy.
3. Separation of Powers:
   The Constitution establishes three branches of government:
   • Executive: Headed by the President and supported by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
   • Legislative: Bicameral Federal Assembly, consisting of the State Duma (lower house) and the Federation Council (upper house).
   • Judiciary: Includes the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and other federal courts, intended to be independent.
4. Rule of Law and Human Rights:
   The Constitution guarantees civil liberties, freedom of speech, and political rights. However, these rights are often curtailed in practice.

Putin’s Reforms to Russia’s Political System

1. Consolidation of Presidential Powers

Under Putin, the presidency has become the dominant institution in Russian politics:

• Strengthening of the Executive:
  Putin’s leadership has concentrated power in the presidency, overshadowing other branches of government.
• Extension of Presidential Terms:
  In 2020, constitutional amendments extended the presidential term limit to two six-year terms and reset Putin’s previous terms, allowing him to potentially remain in power until 2036.

2. Federalism Under Putin

While the Constitution grants autonomy to federal subjects, Putin implemented measures to centralize control:

• Appointment of Governors:
  In 2004, direct elections for regional governors were abolished, and governors were instead appointed by the President. Although elections were reinstated in 2012, they remain heavily controlled.
• Creation of Federal Districts:
  Russia was divided into federal districts overseen by presidential envoys, ensuring centralized oversight of regional governance.

3. Managed Democracy and Political Control

• Dominance of United Russia:
  Putin’s United Russia party dominates the State Duma and regional legislatures, ensuring support for presidential initiatives.
• Regulation of Political Opposition:
  Opposition parties face administrative obstacles, limited media coverage, and legal restrictions. Leaders like Alexei Navalny have been imprisoned or otherwise neutralized.
• Control of Media and Civil Society:
  Independent media outlets and NGOs are restricted under laws like the “foreign agent” law, limiting dissent and critical discourse.

4. Constitutional Amendments of 2020

The 2020 amendments marked a significant restructuring of Russia’s political system:

• Presidential Reset:
  Allowed Putin to run for two additional terms.
• Primacy of Russian Law:
  Established the supremacy of Russian law over international treaties and decisions.
• Social and Cultural Clauses:
  Enshrined traditional values, including the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman, into the Constitution.

The Politics of the Russian Federation

1. Political Landscape

• United Russia Party:
  The ruling party, aligned with Putin, dominates Russian politics. It promotes a platform of nationalism, economic stability, and traditional values.
• Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF):
  The largest opposition party, it advocates for socialism and criticizes privatization and economic inequality.
• Liberal and Nationalist Parties:
  Other parties, such as the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) and A Just Russia, often function as controlled opposition, supporting Kremlin policies while maintaining a façade of pluralism.

2. Opposition Movements

While formal opposition parties exist, genuine dissent is suppressed:

• Alexei Navalny:
  Navalny’s anti-corruption campaigns have gained significant public support but faced government crackdowns.
• Protests and Demonstrations:
  Large-scale protests, such as those against pension reforms (2018) or Navalny’s imprisonment (2021), highlight growing dissatisfaction but are met with state repression.

3. Role of Media and Propaganda

State-controlled media outlets like Russia Today (RT) and Channel One shape public opinion by promoting government narratives and discrediting opposition voices.

Functioning of the Russian Government

The Russian government operates under a hybrid system combining elements of federalism, presidentialism, and managed democracy.

1. Executive Branch

• President:
  The President wields extensive powers, including control over foreign policy, defense, and security services.
• Prime Minister and Cabinet:
  Appointed by the President and approved by the State Duma, the Prime Minister oversees economic and domestic policies. However, the Cabinet’s role is secondary to the President’s authority.

2. Legislative Branch

• State Duma:
  The 450-member lower house drafts laws, approves the budget, and confirms the Prime Minister.
• Federation Council:
  The 170-member upper house represents Russia’s federal subjects and reviews legislation.

3. Judiciary

• Constitutional Court:
  Ensures laws comply with the Constitution but rarely challenges the executive.
• Supreme Court:
  Handles civil, criminal, and administrative cases but operates under the influence of the state.

4. Security and Intelligence Agencies

• Agencies like the FSB (Federal Security Service) and GRU (Military Intelligence) play a critical role in maintaining state control, suppressing dissent, and influencing foreign affairs.

The Role of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Formation of Russian Politics

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has played a central role in shaping Russian identity, culture, and politics for centuries. From the establishment of the Russian Tsardom to its resurgence in post-Soviet Russia, the Church has acted as both a spiritual institution and a political force. Under Vladimir Putin’s leadership, the ROC has experienced a revival, aligning itself with the state to promote nationalism, traditional values, and an anti-Western worldview. This symbiosis between the Church and state reflects a deeply rooted historical relationship and has far-reaching implications for domestic governance and Russia’s international stance.

Historical Context: The Orthodox Church and Russian Statehood

1. Byzantine Influence and the Birth of the Russian Orthodox Church

• The Russian Orthodox Church traces its origins to the Christianization of Kievan Rus’ in 988, when Prince Vladimir converted to Christianity and adopted the Byzantine Orthodox tradition. This event laid the foundation for the fusion of Orthodox Christianity and Russian statehood.
• The Church became a cornerstone of Russian political ideology, promoting the concept of “Moscow as the Third Rome” after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. This notion positioned Russia as the defender of Orthodoxy and the successor to the Byzantine Empire.

2. Tsarist Russia: Symbiotic Relationship

• During the Tsarist era, the Church reinforced the divine authority of the monarch. The Tsar was considered God’s chosen ruler, and the Church legitimized his power.
• The Church played a key role in unifying the vast Russian Empire, promoting Orthodoxy as a marker of Russian identity.

3. Soviet Suppression and the Decline of the ROC

• After the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, the Soviet regime viewed the Church as a threat to communist ideology. The ROC faced severe persecution, with thousands of clergy executed, churches destroyed, and religious practices banned.
• Despite this, the ROC survived underground and resurfaced during World War II, when Stalin temporarily revived the Church to bolster national morale.

The Post-Soviet Revival of the Russian Orthodox Church

1. Rebirth of the Church in Post-1991 Russia

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the ROC experienced a dramatic revival:

• Restoration of Influence: Churches were reopened, and religious practices regained prominence. The ROC reclaimed its historical role as a moral and cultural authority.
• Patriarch Alexy II (1990–2008): Played a significant role in rebuilding the Church and reestablishing its partnership with the state.

2. Alignment with Vladimir Putin

The rise of Vladimir Putin marked the beginning of a close alliance between the Kremlin and the ROC:

• Shared Ideology: The ROC and Putin’s government share a vision of conservative nationalism, emphasizing traditional values, Orthodox Christianity, and the rejection of Western liberalism.
• Moral Authority for the State: The Church legitimizes the state’s policies by framing them as aligned with Orthodox teachings. In return, the Kremlin provides the Church with political and financial support.

The Church’s Role in Russian Politics

1. Promotion of Traditional Values

The ROC is a staunch advocate of traditional values, which align closely with the Kremlin’s domestic policies:

• Anti-LGBTQ Legislation: The Church has strongly supported laws banning “gay propaganda,” portraying LGBTQ rights as a Western threat to Russian morality.
• Family Values: The ROC promotes large families, traditional gender roles, and the sanctity of marriage, reinforcing the state’s demographic and cultural goals.

2. Nationalism and Cultural Identity

The Church plays a key role in fostering Russian nationalism:

• Orthodoxy as National Identity: The ROC portrays Orthodoxy as an essential part of being Russian, excluding other religious or cultural influences.
• Support for Military Efforts: The Church has blessed Russian military campaigns, such as the annexation of Crimea in 2014, framing them as spiritual and national missions.

3. Anti-Western Rhetoric

The ROC has been instrumental in promoting an anti-Western worldview:

• Perceived Moral Decay of the West: The Church criticizes Western liberalism, secularism, and consumerism, portraying Russia as the defender of Christian values against a morally bankrupt West.
• Sanctification of Political Decisions: The Church often supports Kremlin policies by framing them as part of a divine struggle against Western hegemony.

4. Political Mobilization and Propaganda

• Influence on Electoral Politics: The ROC actively participates in political campaigns, urging believers to support pro-Kremlin candidates and policies.
• Media Outreach: The Church uses its extensive media network to promote Kremlin narratives, particularly in rural and conservative areas.

Examples of the ROC’s Political Influence

1. Annexation of Crimea (2014)

• Patriarch Kirill, the head of the ROC, supported the annexation of Crimea, describing it as a return to Russia’s spiritual and historical roots.
• The Church played a key role in legitimizing the move domestically and internationally, portraying it as a spiritual victory.

2. Support for the War in Ukraine (2022–Present)

• The ROC has backed the Russian invasion of Ukraine, framing it as a holy war to protect Orthodox Christians and Russian culture from Western influence.
• Patriarch Kirill has blessed Russian troops and echoed Kremlin propaganda about denazifying Ukraine.

3. Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

• The Church has been a vocal supporter of Russia’s anti-LGBTQ laws, framing them as a defense against Western “moral corruption.”
• These laws have been used to rally conservative support and reinforce Russia’s cultural divergence from the West.

4. Constitution Amendments (2020)

• The ROC played a significant role in supporting the 2020 constitutional amendments, which included a clause defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman and emphasized Russia’s spiritual heritage.

Anti-Western Hatred: A Perpetual Theme

1. Historical Roots of Anti-Western Sentiment

• The schism between the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodoxy in 1054 sowed the seeds of Russian distrust of the West.
• The Napoleonic invasion (1812) and later conflicts with Western powers reinforced the perception of the West as a threat.

2. Modern Anti-Westernism

Under Putin and the ROC’s guidance, anti-Western sentiment has become a central theme of Russian politics:

• Opposition to NATO Expansion: Framed as Western aggression against Russian sovereignty.
• Cultural Warfare: The West is portrayed as a source of moral decay, undermining traditional Christian values.
• Sanctions and Economic Isolation: The Church supports state narratives framing sanctions as evidence of Western hostility toward Russia.

We may recapitulate by saying that the dissolution of the USSR had lasting effects on Russian politics, dismantling the communist monopoly and creating space for new ideologies. The Communist Party became a major opposition force but lost its previous dominance. Over decades, Russia’s political system shifted from a chaotic democracy in the 1990s to a centralized and authoritarian regime under Vladimir Putin, which, while appearing democratic, is marked by presidential dominance, suppression of opposition, and control over media. The Russian Orthodox Church has emerged as a key pillar, legitimizing Kremlin policies and reinforcing nationalism, thus shaping Russia’s internal politics and international relations.

Bibliography

1. Impact of the Breakup of the USSR on the Communist Party

1. “Rebirth of Russian Democracy: An Interpretation of Political Culture” by Nicolai N. Petro
   • Publication Date: 1995
   • Why Read It:
     This book examines the collapse of the Soviet Union and its impact on the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF). It highlights the party’s initial decline and its efforts to remain relevant in the new democratic environment.
2. “The Communist Party in Post-Soviet Russia” by Luke March
   • Publication Date: 2002
   • Why Read It:
     Focuses on the evolution of the KPRF after the USSR’s dissolution, exploring its transition from a dominant political force to an opposition party. The book analyzes its ideological shifts, electoral strategies, and role in modern Russian politics.
3. “Collapse of the Soviet Union: Causes and Consequences” edited by Martin Malia
   • Publication Date: 1994
   • Why Read It:
     Offers a detailed analysis of why the USSR disintegrated, emphasizing the failures of the Communist Party and how its demise shaped post-Soviet political discourses.
4. “After the Collapse: Russia Seeks Its Place as a Great Power” by Dimitri K. Simes
   • Publication Date: 1999
   • Why Read It:
     Provides insights into how the breakup of the USSR dismantled the centralized communist apparatus and led to the emergence of fragmented political ideologies, including the reconstitution of the KPRF.

2. Emergence of New Political Discourses

5. “Russian Politics and Society” by Richard Sakwa
   • Publication Date: 1996 (updated editions in 2008 and 2020)
   • Why Read It:
     A comprehensive account of the development of Russia’s political system since 1991, focusing on the emergence of new political movements and ideologies. It is indispensable for understanding how liberalism, nationalism, and managed democracy evolved in post-Soviet Russia.
6. “Putin’s Russia: Past Imperfect, Future Uncertain” by Dale R. Herspring
   • Publication Date: 2007
   • Why Read It:
     Explores the shift in Russian politics under Vladimir Putin, with a focus on how new political narratives—centered on authoritarian stability and economic pragmatism—have sidelined communist and liberal ideals.
7. “From Shock to Therapy: The Political Economy of Postsocialist Transformation” by Grzegorz W. Kolodko
   • Publication Date: 2000
   • Why Read It:
     Examines the economic reforms and political discourses that emerged in the 1990s, focusing on the challenges of transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy and how this shaped political ideologies.
8. “Revolutionary Ideas: An Intellectual History of the Russian Far-Left” by Markku Kangaspuro
   • Publication Date: 2016
   • Why Read It:
     Analyzes how far-left movements redefined themselves after the USSR’s collapse, contributing to niche political discourses within the broader framework of Russian opposition politics.

3. Russian Politics and Governance Since 1991

9. “The Struggle to Save the Soviet Economy: Mikhail Gorbachev and the Collapse of the USSR” by Chris Miller
   • Publication Date: 2016
   • Why Read It:
     Focuses on the economic struggles of the late USSR and their political implications, shedding light on the systemic collapse that paved the way for new governance models in post-Soviet Russia.
10. “Political Opposition in Russia: Strategies, Successes, and Failures” by Vladimir Gel’man
    • Publication Date: 2015
    • Why Read It:
      This book explores the challenges faced by opposition movements, including the Communist Party, in navigating Putin’s “managed democracy.” It offers a detailed account of how political opposition has evolved since the 1990s.
11. “Authoritarian Russia: Analyzing Post-Soviet Regime Changes” by Vladimir Gel’man
    • Publication Date: 2014
    • Why Read It:
      Examines the transformation of Russia into an authoritarian state under Vladimir Putin, analyzing the suppression of political diversity and the marginalization of the Communist Party.
12. “Russia After Communism: Political Transformation and Realignment” edited by Anders Åslund and Martha Brill Olcott
    • Publication Date: 1999
    • Why Read It:
      A collection of essays analyzing the political transformation of Russia in the 1990s, focusing on how the Communist Party and other political movements adapted to the post-Soviet landscape.

4. The Role of Vladimir Putin in Shaping New Discourses

13. “The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin” by Masha Gessen
    • Publication Date: 2012
    • Why Read It:
      A critical biography of Vladimir Putin, this book explains his rise to power and how he transformed Russian politics, marginalizing traditional communist discourses while promoting nationalism and centralized control.
14. “Putin’s Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia?” by Karen Dawisha
    • Publication Date: 2014
    • Why Read It:
      Explores the political and economic system built by Putin, highlighting how corruption and authoritarianism have replaced the ideological struggles of the communist era with new forms of political control.
15. “The Putin System: Power and Politics in the New Russia” by Grigory Yavlinsky
    • Publication Date: 2019
    • Why Read It:
      Written by an economist and political insider, this book provides a first-hand account of how Putin’s governance has shaped Russian political discourse, including the decline of communist influence.

5. Anti-Western Sentiment and Nationalism

16. “The Revenge of Power: How Autocrats Are Reinventing Politics in the 21st Century” by Moisés Naím
    • Publication Date: 2022
    • Why Read It:
      Examines how leaders like Vladimir Putin have used nationalism and anti-Western rhetoric to consolidate power. It offers a comparative perspective on Russia’s post-Soviet political trajectory.
17. “The Strongman: Vladimir Putin and the Struggle for Russia” by Angus Roxburgh
    • Publication Date: 2012
    • Why Read It:
      This book provides insights into how Putin leveraged Russian nationalism, bolstered by the Orthodox Church, to craft an anti-Western political narrative.
18. “Russia and the Idea of the West” by Robert D. English
    • Publication Date: 2000
    • Why Read It:
      Explores the historical roots of Russia’s suspicion of the West and how this narrative has been used to create new political discourses in the post-Soviet period.

1. Historical Context and Orthodox Church in Russian Statehood

1. “The Russian Orthodox Church and Russian Statehood” by Dmitri Shlapentokh
   • Publication Date: 2003
   • Why Read It: This book explores the historical relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian statehood, emphasizing its role in shaping Russian identity and politics since the Christianization of Kievan Rus’. It provides a nuanced understanding of how religion was intertwined with the Tsarist political structure.
2. “Holy Rus’: The Rebirth of Orthodoxy in the New Russia” by John P. Burgess
   • Publication Date: 2017
   • Why Read It: This work investigates the post-Soviet revival of the Russian Orthodox Church and its resurgence as a cultural and political force. It is essential for understanding the modern influence of Orthodoxy on Russian society and its political alignment with the Kremlin.

2. Soviet Suppression of the Orthodox Church

3. “Religion and the State in Russia and China: Suppression, Survival, and Revival” by Christopher Marsh
   • Publication Date: 2011
   • Why Read It: This comparative study examines how the Soviet Union suppressed religious institutions and how the Russian Orthodox Church adapted to survive. It offers a compelling analysis of the Church’s resilience and eventual revival after the fall of communism.
4. “Godless Utopia: Soviet Anti-Religious Propaganda” by Roland Elliott Brown
   • Publication Date: 2019
   • Why Read It: A visually rich exploration of Soviet propaganda campaigns against religion, this book sheds light on the ideological conflict between the USSR and the Orthodox Church. It’s useful for understanding the ROC’s struggle and survival during the Soviet era.

3. Post-Soviet Revival and the Putin-ROC Alliance

5. “Putin’s Russia” by Anna Politkovskaya
   • Publication Date: 2004
   • Why Read It: This book critically examines Vladimir Putin’s political rise and the consolidation of power in post-Soviet Russia. It includes insights into the Kremlin’s use of the Russian Orthodox Church as a tool to build a nationalist ideology.
6. “Between Heaven and Hell: The Story of a Thousand Years of Artistic Life in Russia” by W. Bruce Lincoln
   • Publication Date: 1998
   • Why Read It: While primarily about Russian cultural history, this book delves into how religion, especially Orthodoxy, influenced Russian political thought and artistic life, providing a deeper context for the Church’s modern resurgence.

4. Orthodox Church’s Role in Politics

7. “Russian Conservatism” by Paul Robinson
   • Publication Date: 2019
   • Why Read It: This book explores the ideological foundations of Russian conservatism, including the pivotal role of the Orthodox Church in shaping political thought and policy under Putin.
8. “The Russian Orthodox Church: Triumphalism and Defensiveness” by Jane Ellis
   • Publication Date: 1996
   • Why Read It: This work provides an early analysis of the Church’s attempts to regain influence after decades of Soviet suppression. It is foundational for understanding the groundwork of the Church-state partnership.
9. “Orthodoxy and the Cold War: Religion and Political Power in Romania and the Soviet Union” by Lucian Leustean
   • Publication Date: 2009
   • Why Read It: Though primarily about the Cold War, this book examines the use of Orthodoxy as a political tool, offering parallels to its modern role in Russian politics.

5. Anti-Western Sentiment and Cultural Warfare

10. “Russia Against the West: The Post-Cold War Crisis of World Order” by Richard Sakwa
    • Publication Date: 2017
    • Why Read It: This book explains Russia’s post-Cold War stance toward the West and the ideological role of the Russian Orthodox Church in fostering anti-Western sentiment. It’s an essential read for understanding Russia’s geopolitical strategies.
11. “Holy Warriors: A Religious History of the Crusades” by Jonathan Phillips
    • Publication Date: 2009
    • Why Read It: While not exclusively about Russia, this book explains the historical religious divisions between East and West. It provides background for understanding modern Russian Orthodox criticism of Western culture and politics.
12. “Russian Orthodoxy Resurgent: Faith and Power in the New Russia” by John Garrard and Carol Garrard
    • Publication Date: 2008
    • Why Read It: This book explores the resurgence of the ROC after the Soviet era, focusing on its alignment with Putin’s regime and its role in shaping anti-Western rhetoric.

6. Examples of Church-State Collaboration

13. “The Crimean Nexus: Putin’s War and the Clash of Civilizations” by Constantine Pleshakov
    • Publication Date: 2017
    • Why Read It: This book explains the annexation of Crimea and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in framing it as a spiritual and historical victory for Russia. It also delves into the ideological narratives promoted by the Church.
14. “War and Faith in the Caucasus” by Thomas de Waal
    • Publication Date: 2010
    • Why Read It: This work examines the religious and cultural dimensions of conflicts in the Caucasus, including the role of the ROC in legitimizing Russian military interventions.
15. “Putin’s War on Ukraine: Propaganda and Conflict” by Samuel Charap and Timothy J. Colton
    • Publication Date: 2021
    • Why Read It: This book analyzes the Church’s involvement in the Ukraine war, highlighting how it bolsters Kremlin propaganda and justifies aggression under the guise of protecting Orthodoxy.

Read More

• Television Speech by USSR President Gorbachev as he relinquished power on 25/12/1991
• ‘Appeal to the Soviet people’ of the State Committee for the State of Emergency in the USSR-18/08/1991
• USA and USSR Treaty on Limitation of Underground Nuclear Weapon Tests (TTBT)-1974
• Constitution of the Soviet Union(USSR) 1936

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