Exploring the concept of "Putinism," this book delves into the ideology that underpins Vladimir Putin's leadership and policies. It examines the historical, political, and social factors that shape his worldview, offering insights into how these beliefs influence contemporary global dynamics. The analysis seeks to clarify the implications of Putin's ideology for both Russia and the wider international community, making it a crucial read for understanding current geopolitical tensions.
This volume explores the relationship between new media and religion, focusing on the WWW’s impact on the Russian Orthodox Church. Eastern Christianity has travelled a long way through the centuries, amassing the intellectual riches of many generations of theologians and shaping the cultures as well as histories of many countries, Russia included, before the arrival of the digital era. New media pose questions that, when answered, fundamentally change various aspects of religious practice and thinking as well as challenge numerous traditional dogmata of Orthodox theology. For example, an Orthodox believer may now enter a virtual chapel, light a candle by drag-and-drop operations, send an online prayer request, or worship virtual icons and relics. In recent years, however, Church leaders and public figures have become increasingly skeptical about new media. The internet, some of them argue, breaches Russia’s ? spiritual sovereignty? and implants values and ideas alien to the Russian culture. This collection addresses such questions as: How is the Orthodox ecclesiology influenced by its new digital environment? What is the role of clerics in the Russian WWW? How is the specifically Orthodox notion of sobornost’ (catholicity) being transformed here? Can Orthodox activity in the internet be counted as authentic religious practice? How does the virtual religious life intersect with religious experience in the ? real? church?
Mikhail Suslov's book explores contemporary Russian geopolitical culture, emphasizing the importance of understanding key concepts like "Eurasianism" and "Holy Russia" in shaping Russia's identity and policies. He argues these ideologies influence public discourse and facilitate Russia's self-perception as a sovereign power amidst a changing global landscape.
