Ruling Russia Authoritarianism from the Revolution to Putin

Abstract

This book analyzes the evolution of authoritarian rule in Russia from the 1917 Revolution through the Soviet period and into the era of Vladimir Putin. William Zimmerman explores the political, social, and institutional factors that have shaped governance in Russia, examining why authoritarianism has persisted despite periods of reform and transition. The text compares different leadership periods, highlighting continuities and changes in political control, state-society relations, and public attitudes toward authority. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how historical legacies and modern dynamics interact to sustain authoritarian governance in contemporary Russia