Russia and Development: Capitalism, Civil Society and the State

This unique and insightful book takes a look at the development of Russia's Asian rim from the Tsarist era until recently. Rather than make the more frequent comparisons between Russia and the West, it focuses on political and social mobilization in Central Asia and adjacent regions of Russia. It examines popular responses to the policies of Putin and Medvedev aimed at modernizing Russia and forging a new Eurasian alliance in Russia's 'development neighbourhood'. It also looks at Russia's emerging stance on development issues as a BRIC country, on the one hand, and at new social movements around the region challenging government policy and transnational companies, on the other. With unique insider knowledge, Charles Buxton places Russia's current model in an international context, where Russia is increasingly becoming a competitor to Western-led development practices.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the region or development thought and practice.