The Empire of Meaning: Essays on Russia’s State Ideology and Civilizational Politics
About this ebook
Through in-depth analysis of official discourse, intellectual debates, and institutional practices, this book reveals how Russian elites and state actors mobilize concepts like sovereignty, traditional values, and civilizational identity. It demonstrates that the Kremlin’s use of ideology is not just rhetorical but a core element of governance, shaping state-society relations and the country’s global strategy. By situating Russia’s ideological shift within broader debates on illiberalism and identity politics, the book provides a systematic account of how ideas sustain contemporary politics.
The Empire of Meaning is essential for scholars, students, and professionals in political science, international relations, and Russian studies. It is also a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the role of ideology in modern authoritarian regimes and global politics.
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About the author
Marlene Laruelle, PhD, is Professor at the Luiss Guido Carli University, Rome, Italy. She also serves as Director of the Illiberalism Studies Program, a transatlantic initiative based in Washington, DC, Paris and Rome. Before joining Luiss, Marlene Laruelle was Research Professor at The George Washington University for 15 years and Director of the Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies (IERES) there. Trained in political theory, her research explores contemporary ideologies in Russia, Europe, and the United States, as well as the transnational nature of illiberalism.
