Fake Russia

Drawing on both international and Russian sources, expert analyses, and empirical data, this essay collection examines the real state of political, economic and social affairs in Russia. It explores the nature of the political regime, the rhetoric of Russian state propaganda, and delves into existing and potential socio-political divisions. The contributors also scrutinize ethno-national dynamics within the pseudo-federation, Russia’s “claims” on Ukraine, and the concept of “World Order Z.” This “new world order”, which Russia attempts to establish through what it calls a “special military operation” against Ukraine, is analyzed as a tool for constructing an international system on Russian terms.



“The authors of this volume seek to find out whether Russia is really the ‘great Russia’ that scares the whole world, and what really stands behind its desire to ‘solve the Ukrainian question’.”

—Dmytro Shevchuk, Vice-Rector, National University of Ostroh Academy



“This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to seriously understand what is happening in Russia now and what may happen there tomorrow.”

—Oleksiy Panych, Member of the Ukrainian Center, PEN Club, Kyiv