Review by Choice Review
This work moves away from the standard lines of international relations and political science ideas regarding state-building to understand Russia and Turkey. Instead, Neumann (London School of Economics, UK) and Wigen (Univ. of Oslo, Norway) turn their attention to the history of the steppes and examine steppe elements that have influenced both. Here they seek to emphasize that steppes offered alternative models to state-building, and that Russia and Turkey have drawn on these traditions. This is an excellent and promising idea; unfortunately, it is poorly executed. Too often, the authors attempt to draw straight lines through history to the present, never recognizing changes within the steppe traditions themselves. Furthermore, while they attempt to show steppe influences, too often they fall into the old trope of ascribing negative aspects to steppe society--cult of personalities, authoritarian tendencies, etc., without recognizing that other states, including Western societies, also have these features. Indeed, they fail to note that the increasing authoritarian style of Putin's and Erdogan's governments is part of a phenomenon across the globe in the 21st century. While the authors have attempted a notable idea, their historical context is simplistic and their methodology lacks nuance. Still, perhaps it will influence others to move away from Westphalian models. Summing Up: Optional. Graduate students through faculty. --Timothy M. May, University of North Georgia
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
