Russian History: A Very Short Introduction

Spanning the divide between Europe and Asia, Russia is a multi-ethnic empire with a huge territory, strategically placed and abundantly provided with natural resources. But Russia's territory has a harsh climate, is cut off from most maritime contact with the outside world, and has open and vulnerable land frontiers. It has therefore had to devote much of its wealth to the armed forces, and the sheer size of the empire has made it difficult to mobilise resources and to govern effectively, especially given the diversity of its people. In thisVery Short Introduction, Geoffrey Hosking discusses all aspects of Russian history, from the struggle by the state to control society, the transformation of the empire into a multi-ethnic empire, Russia's relationship with the West/Europe, the Soviet experience, and the post-Soviet era.

Geoffrey Hosking is Emeritus Professor of Russian History at University College London.

Introduction
1. Kievan Rus and the Mongols
2. The Formation of the Muscovite state
3. The Russian Empire and Europe
4. The Responsibilities and dangers of Empire
5. Reform and revolution
6. The Soviet Union's turbulent rise
7. The Soviet Union: triumph, decline and fall
Chronology
Further Reading
Glossary