Archive of Russia without Putin

Perspectives on Russia's history and the wider geopolitical landscape, featuring Tony Wood, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Ilya Budraitskis, and more.

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, with horrifying consequences, our need for a deeper understanding of the conflict increases. In this reading list Tony Wood, author of Russia Without Putin: Money, Power and the Myths of the New Cold War, selects five books that question Russia's foreign policy and evolving nationalist ideology, as well as the wider geopolitical tensions at play.

In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we spoke with Ilya Budraitskis about the political context of the attack, Putin’s military and political goals in the short and long term, and the response so far from the Russian citizenry. Why were so many on the Left surprised by the extent of the military action, and, finally, how might we express solidarity right now?

Tensions between Russia and America over the build-up of Russian troops on its border with Ukraine and the expansion of NATO have been increasing in recent months. In this extract from his book Russia Without Putin, Tony Wood details the long history of these geopolitical tensions, and why we are likely to see more turbulent, unpredictable times ahead.

As Vladimir Putin attempts to extend his grip on power into the future, Tony Wood, author of new-in-paperback Russia Without Putin, picks out five books that will help us think about how Russia works, and where Putin's power came from in the first place.

Ten years ago this month, Russian human rights advocate and journalist Stanislav Markelov was shot and killed by a Russian ultranationalist Nikita Tikhonov on a busy Moscow street. The aftermath of the murder helped to bring to light the collusion between the Russian state and the nexus of ultranationalist groups responsible for Stanislav Markelov's killing. In this article Thomas Rowley and Guiliano Vivaldi analyse the events that lead up to the murder, and Markelov's incredible work fighting for the oppressed in Russia.

Verso authors share the books they loved in 2018. We hope you'll be inspired to expand your reading lists over the holiday season!