Unique and insightful, this book takes a look at Russia’s development through the Tsarist and Soviet periods. Rather than make the more familiar comparisons between Russia and the West, Russia and Development focuses on political and social mobilization in adjacent Central Asia. It examines the role of local government and civil society in development, as well as popular responses to the policies of Putin and Medvedev aimed at modernizing Russia and forging a new Eurasia alliance in Russia’s ‘development neighbourhood’. The book uses local sources and case studies to pose important questions about the role of empire, revolution, nationalism and democratization in the twenty-first century. With unique insider knowledge, Charles Buxton ultimately places Russia’s current development model in an international context, where Russia is increasingly becoming a competitor to Western-led development practices.

Essential reading for anyone interested in the region or development thought and practice.