Insecurity & the Rise of Nationalism in Putin's Russia

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-viii

   PDF

2. Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, and Organization of the Study

   • Suzanne Loftus

   Pages 1-30

3. Yeltsin vs Putin (1999–2008)

   • Suzanne Loftus

   Pages 31-64

4. Putin’s Leadership 2012–2017

   • Suzanne Loftus

   Pages 65-129

5. Main Argument and Theoretical Analysis

   • Suzanne Loftus

   Pages 131-158

6. Conclusion, Further Discussion, and Avenues for Future Research

   • Suzanne Loftus

   Pages 159-174

This book offers an analysis of Putin's approval ratings from the fall of the USSR to the present day. It considers contemporary materials, statistics and a discourse analysis to assess how Putin's approval ratings have stayed so high despite the current economic turndown. Through a comparative analysis with Yeltsin's time in office, the author demonstrates that higher levels of security, a better standard of living, increasingly assertive foreign policy and greater centralization of power led to positive approval ratings for Putin—absent characteristics during Yeltsin’s terms—and fostered 'positive national self-esteem' in Russia, a national sentiment that has persisted through current economic difficulties. Recommended reading for academics and students of Russian studies in the field of International Relations, Foreign Policy and Comparative Politics.

• Putin
• russian politics
• approval ratings
• Yeltsin
• russia
• Russian studies
• International Relations
• Post-Soviet Politics
• Comparative Politics
• political leadership
• comparative analysis
• nationalism in russia
• Putin's Russia
• foreign policy
• Putin's leadership
• Yeltsin vs Putin
• Russia's economic conditions
• popularity of leaders
• Putin's popularity
• Gaidar Economic Reforms

“In this book, Suzanne Loftus provides a cogent, comprehensive, and valuable analysis of how President Putin retains his authority and favorable standing with the Russian people. It’s a splash of reality for those of us hoping that Russia’s declining economy and social ills could lead to change in Russia’s leadership and policies.” (Barry M. Blechman, co-founder of the Stimson Center, USA)

“Suzanne Loftus offers a complex and compelling explanation of Vladimir Putin’s national popularity. She stresses that economic performance is secondary to such popularity and that it largely rests on Putin’s ability to tap into the realm of national values and self-esteem. If true, the explanation should prove wrong those expecting Western economic sanctions to make Putin reverse his assertive foreign policy.” (Andrei P. Tsygankov, Professor, San Francisco State University, USA)

• University of Miami, Miami, USA

  Suzanne Loftus

Suzanne Loftus is Researcher at the University of Miami, USA.

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