Russian studies, once the king of international relations, has fallen by the wayside since the end of the Cold War. The threat of Islamic terrorism, the economic potential of Asia, and the crisis of the developing world have overshadowed Russian studies. Despite this fall, James Billington lays out a concise treatise on why, despite being deeply studied during the Cold War, we know so little of the Russians and why we should continue to follow its evolution.
With the lens of "evil communism" removed from the Russian stereotype, the author attempts to make sense of the complex, depressed, and overly emotional Russian identity. As Russia stumbles into the 21st century, its core question remains, is it a European or an Asian power, or is it something entirely unique. Billington is one of the American grand masters of Russian studies, his fame and connections gives him easy access to the remnants of Russia's once important intelligentsia. What Billington finds is a lost and confused people, who realize they were betrayed by communism, but feel equally fooled by democracy and economic shock therapy.
Billington's work, while deeply though provoking, is not for the novice of Russian culture. A solid foundation in Russian hisotry is required. His preference for academic elite causes the voice the average Russian to go missing.
While Russian studies have lost some of its luster, the mere size, nuclear power, and massive natural resource base of Russia will cause it to be a area of prominent concern to U.S. national security for generations. For this reason alone, a firm understanding of the Russian national character is critical in any attempt to predict or explain Russia's future. Billington's insight into the true nature of the Russian soul is without equal.