Russian Pendulum: Paradoxes, Practices and Patterns

by Alena Ledeneva

An unorthodox portrait of modern-day Russia, including its paradoxes, practices, and patterns.Russian Pendulum takes readers on a compelling journey through Russia in which tradition, modernity, power, and informality collide. Linking local knowledge and insider expertise with global trends and international perspectives, the book reveals the patterns that have defined Russia’s destiny for centuries. At its core lies an intricate system of informal networks that are held together by cooptation, control, and camouflage practices.

200 pages, Paperback

Published July 6, 2026