Unique overview of modern Russia’s power system and the terrible ballast of history
Author: René Nyberg
Finnish original: Patriarkkoja ja oligarkkeja
Publisher: Siltala Publishing, 2019
Genre: nonfiction
Number of pages: 275 pp.
Reading material: Finnish original, English synopsis
Patriarchs and Oligarchs by René Nyberg, a Russia expert with a long career in the Finnish diplomatic service, is a fascinating account not only of the recent history of the relations between Finland and Russia, but also of the contemporary reality of the USSR/Russian Federation. Nyberg explores Russia through two of Putin’s powerful background supporters and fellow players – the Orthodox clergy and the oligarchs.
The book gives answers to the questions that characterize the close relations between Russia and Finland: how the brutal charm of the Soviet Union once influenced Finland, why the Finnish Lutheran Church began discussions of doctrine with the Orthodox Church of the atheist Soviet Union, and how Russia shot itself in the foot by blocking timber exports to Finland.
The reader gets a behind-the-scenes view through a diplomat’s eyes, as Nyberg is personally acquainted with many of the key figures in the book. He is able to provide first-hand information on such questions as why billionaire oligarch Roman Abramovich was interested in Finland, and why Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who challenged Vladimir Putin and suffered a long term of imprisonment, made two visits to the country.
Nyberg’s book, which has gathered excellent reviews, has been printed in four print-runs in the space of three months.
“[The book gives] a big picture of today’s power system in Russia and how it’s determined by money and ownership.”
– Helsingin Sanomat newspaper
“The new book by René Nyberg […], who has a long career as a diplomat, is a fascinating combination of personal reminiscences and rigorous analysis of the life and power structures of the Soviet Union, which subsequently became the Russian Federation. […] When a person familiarizes himself with almost half a century of history and life of the neighbouring country, working there as a diplomat and eventually becoming CEO of a large East-West trade consultancy firm, he can be called an expert in his field. In this area, Nyberg is in a class of his own – and the book is clear evidence of that.”
– Etelä-Saimaa newspaper
Also available:
Last Train to Moscow (2015)
About the author:
René Nyberg