The Putin Predicament

This is an important and much-needed study of a Putin regime which has evolved considerably over the years. Petersson, a leading expert on the Putin leadership and policy program, brings care and nuance to this rich study of Putin s regime legitimization efforts in his third and fourth presidential terms. Those familiar with Petersson s scholarship will not be surprised that this volume is carefully crafted, it is well-grounded in a compelling analysis of Putin s public addresses, and it offers significant insights about contemporary Russian politics that go beyond the standard fare. Petersson effectively juxtaposes Putin s regime-legitimating efforts with the profound challenges that confront the regime in its third decade. I am excited to add Petersson s book to my personal library, and I expect to draw on this unique work for my own research needs. The Putin Predicament is a significant and welcome contribution to our scholarship. John P. Willerton, Professor of Political Science, University of Arizona, Tucson

Bo Petersson, one of our leading scholars of national identity in Russia, provides an original and important interpretation of Vladimir Putin s approach to gaining, holding, and exercising power. His central insight, that Putin s claim to authority is based on his self-presentation as the guardian of Russia s great power status, puts international conflict at the center of Putin s political strategy and by extension of Russian politics more broadly. The implications for the Putin succession, for the legitimacy of the Russian state after Putin, and for Russia s relations with other states are sobering. Paul D Anieri, Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, University of California

This important book tackles some of the key issues in present-day Russian politics. Bo Petersson argues that the legitimacy of the Russian political system rests heavily on Putin s personal popularity. The regime, though, now finds itself confronting the `Putin predicament wherein Putin s charismatic authority appears to be waning in the face of new challenges, but no viable alternative leader has been allowed to emerge. Can the regime overcome this or is a succession crisis inevitable when Putin finally leaves office? This is a timely and up-to-date study that will be welcomed by all those interested in the political trajectory of contemporary Russia. Dr. Kenneth Wilson, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Dongguk University (Seoul)