Russia Under the Old Regime

This study examines the development of the Russian state from the 9th century to the 1880s, highlighting its distinctive role in governing Russian society. Unlike the rest of Europe, Russia's evolution was influenced by challenging geographical conditions. These conditions led to the establishment of a "patrimonial" state where the country was seen as the personal possession of the tsar. The analysis in the book delves into the progression of this state system, delving into the political dynamics of key social groups like the peasantry, nobility, bourgeoisie, and clergy. It also explores why these groups struggled to resist the escalating absolutism of the tsar, with only the intelligentsia able to effectively challenge the regime. The book further illustrates how Russia transformed into a bureaucratic police state in response to this intellectual opposition.

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