Russia often dominates the headlines. Yet its political realities are poorly understood by Western policy-makers and observers because their analyses are based on Western terms of reference, particularly Russia's progress - or lack of it - towards liberal democracy and partnership with the West. This highly engaging book offers a robust critique of such an approach, and points to a different way to interpret Russia.Andrew Monaghan places the current crisis between the Euro-Atlantic community and Russia caused by the war in Ukraine into the broader and longer-term context of an increasingly obvious strategic dissonance in relations. He also explores the evolving domestic political landscape, unpicking the nature of power in Russia and introducing readers to both the current leadership and those who may emerge to lead Russia in the future.