Lilia Shevtsova – författare

Det påstås att ungefär 14 500 krig har utkämpats sedan år 3 500 f.Kr. Mänskligheten har bara erfarit 300 år av fred på jorden. Under 1900-talet dödades fler människor i krig än något tidigare sekel. Relativt sett dödar vi dock varandra mer sällan. Håller vi gradvis på att bli mer fredliga? 

Oavsett hur många som dödas, och med vilken metod, kan vi vara säkra på att krig kommer att fortsätta utkämpas. Ligger orsakerna till krig i samhället eller i biologin, i tävlan om ekonomiska resurser eller sexuella, i historiska omständigheter eller i en universell våldsinstinkt? Allt sedan antiken fram till dagens terrorism har krig varit förstörare och skapare av stater och civilisationer. 

Essäerna i denna antologi har sitt ursprung i det internationellt välrenommerade Engelsbergsseminariet 2015 och är skrivna av historiker, journalister, tänkare, forskare och författare från hela världen. Huvudredaktörer är Kurt Almqvist och Alexander Linklater. 

This revised edition includes and examination of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections and their effects on Putin''s leadership and Russia. Praise for the previous edition: "Out of her blunt, often acerbic, account come shrewd insights into Putin''s transformation from an implausible, contrived successor into a dominator unchallenged by oligarchs, legislators, or regional bosses, let alone a democratic opposition."—Foreign Affairs "Shevtsova is one of the most astute and independent-minded observers of the Russian political scene."—Times Literary Supplement "Offers many insights into Kremlin court politics, as well as Mr. Putin and his foes."—The Economist "This well-informed Russian observer offers a straightforward situation report. Shevtsova''s scorecard will interest serious Russia watchers."—Booklist "An insightful account of how the Russian president is swaying on a pendulum between reform and stability."—Survival "A timely, expert book."—Washington Post

Adapted from the Russian edition, this book analyzes the dominant stereotypes and myths that formed during the Putin presidency and that continue to hamper our understanding of Russia''s current situation.

Author Lilia Shevtsova explains the origins of such political clichés as

• Russia is not mature enough for democracy;

• Capitalism first, and democracy will follow;

• The humiliation of Russia by the West is the key cause of their soured relationship;

• Arms talks between Russia and the United States will help to reset the relationship.

Shevtsova argues that an anti-mythology campaign is needed to deepen the understanding of Russia both within the Russian Federation and in the West, as well as to help nations build better policies toward Russia.

Praise for Lilia Shevtsova''s Russia—Lost in Transition

"An excellent volume... highly recommended."—Choice