Karen Dawisha

Karen Dawisha (1949-2018) was an American political scientist and academic who specialized in Russian politics and foreign policy. Her most influential work was "Putin's Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia?" published in 2014, which detailed the rise of Vladimir Putin and the systematic corruption within the Russian state. As a professor at Miami University in Ohio, Dawisha served as director of its Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies. Her earlier works included "Eastern Europe, Gorbachev, and Reform" (1988) and "Russia and the New States of Eurasia" (1994), establishing her as a leading voice in post-Soviet studies. The publication of "Putin's Kleptocracy" marked a significant moment in Russian studies, as it meticulously documented the networks of corruption and criminal activities surrounding Putin's rise to power. The book's controversial nature led Cambridge University Press to decline publication due to potential libel concerns, though it was later published by Simon & Schuster. During her career spanning four decades, Dawisha held positions at multiple institutions including the University of Maryland and the Brookings Institution. Her work influenced both academic understanding and policy discussions regarding post-Soviet Russia and its political evolution.

Readers value Dawisha's detailed research and documentation in "Putin's Kleptocracy," citing her extensive use of primary sources and financial records. Many note the book's relevance to current events and its early warnings about Putin's regime. What readers liked: - Clear presentation of complex financial connections - Thorough citations and evidence - Accessible writing style for non-academics - Precise timeline of Putin's rise to power Common criticisms: - Dense material can be overwhelming - Some sections repeat information - Name-heavy passages are difficult to follow - Early chapters require background knowledge of Soviet history Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (890+ ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "Like reading a prosecutor's brief - methodical and devastating." An Amazon reviewer wrote: "The sheer volume of details sometimes buries the main narrative." Her earlier books received less attention from general readers, with most reviews coming from academic sources.

Putin's Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia? (2014) A detailed investigation into Vladimir Putin's rise to power and the networks of corruption within the Russian state system, based on extensive documentation and research.

Russia and the New States of Eurasia: The Politics of Upheaval (1994) An analysis of the political transformation of Russia and other post-Soviet states following the collapse of the USSR.

Eastern Europe, Gorbachev, and Reform (1988) An examination of how Gorbachev's reforms affected Eastern European countries and their relationship with the Soviet Union.

Soviet Foreign Policy towards Egypt (1979) A study of the diplomatic and strategic relationship between the Soviet Union and Egypt during the Cold War period.

Russia's Second Revolution: The February 1917 Uprising in Petrograd (1987) A historical analysis of the February Revolution in Russia, focusing on events in Petrograd that led to the fall of the Romanov dynasty.

Anne Applebaum Specializes in Eastern European history and the rise of totalitarianism in the post-Soviet space. Her works like "Gulag" and "Red Famine" document Soviet-era repression and its lasting impact on modern Eastern European politics.

Catherine Belton Former Moscow correspondent who investigates the intersection of Russian business, politics, and organized crime. Her book "Putin's People" examines how former KGB networks captured the Russian state and its economic resources.

Masha Gessen Writes extensively about Russian politics and society with focus on authoritarianism and LGBTQ+ rights. Their work "The Man Without a Face" provides detailed analysis of Putin's rise to power and transformation of Russian democracy.

Timothy Snyder Studies Eastern European history with emphasis on totalitarianism and democratic breakdown. His books "Bloodlands" and "The Road to Unfreedom" analyze historical patterns that shaped modern Russia and Eastern Europe.

Fiona Hill Former National Security Council official who researches Russian and Eurasian affairs. Her book "Mr. Putin: Operative in the Kremlin" examines Putin's KGB background and its influence on his governance style.