Une très précise analyse de la montée (du montage) en puissance d'une Russie auto fantasmée. ( )

Goes beyond the simple reconstruction of the chain of events and provides ample explanation and analysis of possible motivations and reasons behind the current state of Russia. ( )

Russia has always needed a new project, a novel undertaking, or a new war to divert the attention of the people from their economic misery, and to unite them under the aegis of their strongman leader. TV was there to provide the fake news to spark revanchism, nationalism, antisemitism, and hatred of the West. ( )

How things went wrong in Russia, with the failure of democratic reformers to put in a structure that could survive the transfer of power. Very few heroes here. ( )

The Invention of Russia is a comprehensive and compelling look at the way that media played a role in the fall of the Soviet Union, the wild 90s, and the rise of Putin's New Russia. It's a very interesting look at matters that have suddenly become highly relevant, with the events of 2016. Begining with the Krushchev era, the book shows how intellectuals and the media both reflected public opinion and molded it. We also watch its awkward relationship with the government, sometimes in opposition, sometimes in its pocket. The author has a theory about generational change in Russian society that does seem to at least have a kernel of truth. Whether or not this will actually be able to stop Putin and his ideological allies remains to be seen. Russia is a mess, but the state puts on a strong front and distracts its citizens with glorious victory. Anything than have the people realize just how far behind they've fallen as they did in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. But while war can bring cohesion, it can only work for so long. Only time will tell what the future holds for Russia, its people, and its media.

Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in current events, Russian and/or Soviet history, or media studies. The book was actually originally published in 2015 with a different subtitle, but has been given a new preface for the 2017 paperback edition that ties in Putin's election manipulations and the rise of fake news to the books overall narrative about the relationship between Russians, their government, and their media. ( )