Does Russia Have a Future?: Collected (Nonconformist) Essays on Russian, American and European Relations, 2013-15 - Paperback

by Gilbert Doctorow (Author)

This is a collection of journalistic observations, book reviews, polemics and speeches dealing with the deterioration of relations between Russia and the West, with particular attention at the confrontation over Ukraine and the onset of the New Cold War. Professional reviewers have written the following about this book: 1. Professor John Mearsheimer, University of Chicago "This collection of smart and erudite essays is a welcome antidote to the steady stream of anti-Russian stories that fill the Western media these days. Doctorow, a seasoned expert on Russia, provides an abundance of smart insights about how relations between Russia and the Wesst have deteriorated over the past three years. At the same time, he makes compelling arguments against some of the most popular anti-Putin tropes. One only wishes there were more Doctorows in the public debate on Russia." 2. Charles Bausman, Editor, Russia-Insider.com "If you want to cut through the misinformation surrounding Russia, Gil Doctorow is simply one of the best guides out there. His insights are original and important. An invaluable collection." 3. James Carden, contributing writer at The Nation "Those trying to make sense of the precipitous decline in US-Russian relations over the past several years could hardly do better than Gilbert Doctorow's 'Does Russia Have a Future?' Dr. Doctorow has written a learned, eloquent and, what is more, necessary, corrective to the reigning neoconservative and neoliberal pieties that so distort and undermine understanding between the former Cold War rivals. Doctorow has put a lifetime of learning and first hand experience in Russia into producing an erudite collection that is frequently punctuated with razor sharp asides and droll humor. Caveat emptor: Doctorow does not dim his headlights; but those looking for illumination will be amply rewarded." 4. Tatjana Zdanoka, Member of the European Parliament, Latvia "For those who are sure that everything is correctly done by the West concerning Russia, the very title of the book by Gilbert Doctorow devoted to Russian, American and European relations during the last two years seems to be extremely defiant. The answer to the question "Does Russia have a future? is available to them in advance. But the author suddenly, already in the subtitle, honestly and openly declares: his approach to the subject is nonconformist. Therefore from the persons who opened the book and decided to examine this other position, a capacity for self-criticism and refusal of stereotypes will be required. I am convinced that Gilbert Doctorow addressed the book first of all to such readers. The collection of essays in this book cover, it would seem, a small time period: two years. However, getting acquainted with the essays, you become convinced how extremely dense was historical time from April 2013 to June 2015. and it is surprising how steady in these waves of events our author held his position - always profound, logical, objective, honest. All these unique qualities of the author make his book very necessary and valuable." 5. Professor Richard Sakwa, University of Kent "The author, one of the most perceptive analysts of the current crisis in European international politics, is remarkably well informed. Every piece provides insight and analysis that is always compelling and challenging. Together the fragments create a powerful mosaic where each element contributes to a convincing picture. The collection represents a fresh perspective that will be of interest to a wide readership - everyone will learn from them."

Author Biography

Gilbert Doctorow is a professional Russia watcher going back to 1965. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College (1967) and holder of a Ph.D. with honors in history from Columbia University (1975). After completing his studies, Mr. Doctorow pursued a buisness career focused on the USSR and Eastern Europe. For 25 years he worked for US and European multinationals in marketing and general management with regional responsibility. From 1998-2002, Doctorow served as the Chairman of the Russian Booker Literary Prize in Moscow. He is a today co-founder and European Coordinator of the American Committee for East West Accord Ltd. based in Brussels. Doctorow's previous books are "Great Post-Cold War American Thinkers on International Relations" (2010) and "Steooing Out of Line, Collected (Nonconformist) Essays on Russian-American Relations, 2008-12" (2013),