<p>While many authoritarian governments attempt ambitious economic modernization projects, fewer – indeed, far fewer that we realize – actually succeed. This timely book deftly explores the fate of the authoritarian modernization project in Russia, from its promising historical roots through its post-Soviet failures. It stands out for its comprehensive examination of efforts to modernize Russia in realms as diverse as education, high technology, labor, and pension policies. While leaving a glimmer of hope for future progress, the authors convincingly demonstrate that significant structural, political, and institutional barriers stand in the way of Russia’s authoritarian modernization project. An important book on a crucial topic for Russia and the international community, <i>Authoritarian Modernization in Russia</i> deserves to be read widely by policy makers and scholars around the world." - Juliet Johnson, Professor of Political Science, McGill University, and author of <i>Priests of Prosperity: How Central Bankers Transformed the Postcommunist World</i> (Cornell 2016).</p><p><em>Authoritarian Modernization in Russia</em> is a stimulating analysis of post-Soviet economic, political and policy-making dynamics. An excellent team of Finnish and Russian scholars highlights trajectories of top-down reforms that prioritize economic advancements over political liberties. The book offers a thorough examination of challenges and constraints that affected the project of authoritarian modernization in Russia and adds sophistication to the debates on how Russia really works and whether it can modernize.</p><p>Alena Ledeneva, Professor of Politics and Society, School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College, London</p>