Authoritarian Backlash ─ Russian Resistance to Democratization in the Former Soviet Union

Russia's repressive reaction to the "fourth wave" of democratization in former satellite countries was the catalyst for this study. Ambrosio (political science, North Dakota State University) uses the example of post-communist Russia to discuss the methods used by governments to reassert authoritarian power. He proposes five strategies that are employed by governments to affirm their control: insulate, redefine, bolster, subvert and coordinate. After establishing the background for the development of these strategies and the socio-political context, Ambrosio devotes a chapter to each. The many ways of restraining democratic urges before resorting to violence are given, with chilling examples. In his summary, Ambrosio reiterates the need for the rest of the world to note the signs of a return to authoritarian governments, not just in Russia, but everywhere. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Thomas Ambrosio, North Dakota State University, USA.