Muslims in Putin's Russia

This book helps discern the dynamics of interaction in the contemporary context between the Russian state and its Muslim population (which according to 2010 conservative estimates is well over 16 million). According to Simon Merati, being Russia’s second largest religious community, this causes anxiety concerning social unrest and terrorism-related concerns among some central authorities. On the other hand, this community also provides invaluable connections with the Muslim world outside Russia’s borders: ‘In times of wobbling relations with the West, and of dramatic events in the neighbouring Middle East, Russia holds a singular geographical position, which it perceives as exceptional’ both for the privileges it may bring, and the perils which may ensue from it. Merati adds that all these ‘preoccupations combine to determine Russia’s geo-political self-positioning and guide many of its actions in the international arena. In turn, external factors too affect the way domestic issues are treated’ (p. 198).