In The Putin Mystique, Anna Arutunyan presents an unusual and original view of Vladimir Putin, and in particular, of his place in a long line of autocrats that the Russian people seem to need and, almost, to have wished upon themselves. Mixing anthropology, sociology, and reportage of the major Putin news stories of the last decade, Anna Arutunyan presents an inside view of the rule of a man whose actions seem so at variance with western democracy, yet are in the continuing tradition of Russian autocracy. Arutunyan reveals Russia as a neo-feudal country with a power structure straight out of the Middle Ages, where the people have a deep need for autocracy. The result - every ruler of Russia plays the role of a tsar, whether or not he is crowned.

Why do so many Russians go on giving uncritical support to Putin? Arguing that Russians hold a quasi-religious respect for the state and its leader, this illuminating book delves into the intertwining of the sacred and the political in history and today. Fresh vignettes of Putin in action illustrate both the supreme leader's attitude to his subjects and their needs, desires and fears that make him the kind of leader he has become. Caroline Humphrey, University of Cambridge Anna Arutunyan's book is an excellent description of Putinland, where corruption and the abuse of power makes Russia fall even further down the international corruption list, to Latin American levels. Gavle Dagblad, Sweden Arutunyan gives the reader a fascinating history of Russian identity, with extensive use of the long strands of literature and history. - Arutunyan's collection of stories is a dramatic eye opener on the Russian soul, with poignant stories about her own experiences during the large demonstrations since the Duma elections in December, when fear gave way to popular action Politiken, Denmark The Putin Mystique makes us wiser about a significant phenomenon in Russia's past and present. Berlingske Tidende, Denmark A great experience - lively and interestingly written Leif Davidsen, Danish writer and journalist