RUS 145Putin's Russia and Its Protest Culture

3 credits · Russian · Penn State

The 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union led Russia toward political, economic, and cultural liberalization. However, post-Soviet Russia evolved into an authoritarian state defined by crony capitalism and historical revanchism, culminating in its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Why did Russia's transition fail, and how did Vladimir Putin's regime rise and endure? This course explores these questions through creative and analytical works by writers, filmmakers, journalists, and activists in Putin's Russia. No prior knowledge of Russian culture or history is required; the course is taught in English.