"A uniquely valuable piece of research."
--
Foreign Affairs"
No Illusions is a remarkable study of the attitudes of Russian students on track to be the future political and intellectual leaders of their country. Dr. Mickiewicz's findings, based on discussions by students in focus groups and on an examination of the impact of the internet on political activity, are studded with surprises and will fascinate all who are concerned about Russia's future course. This book is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the mindset of the first Russian generation to have no memory of life under communism or of the Cold War."
--Jack F. Matlock, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to the USSR, 1987-1991; author of
Autopsy on an Empire: The American Ambassador's Account of the Collapse of the Soviet Union"An extraordinary, probing and fascinating look inside the minds and attitudes of Russia's next generation of leaders. Ellen Mickiewicz draws them out on the critical issues and trends of our time, compiling a complex portrait that everyone who wants to understand Russia will find essential reading."
--Judy Woodruff, Co-Anchor and Managing Editor, PBS NewsHour
"
No Illusions, examines the mindset of students at elite Russian universities. In the forthcoming paperback edition, she adds substantial research on how Russia uses news as a weapon."
--
VOX"
No Illusions is remarkable, as much for the questions it poses as for the creative way in which it does so. Mickiewicz displays equally ambitious reach and impressive erudition; she also strikes a fine balance between data-driven analysis and thoughtful speculation. Together with the author's clear and often sparkling prose, this makes the book a true pleasure to read."
--
The Russian Review"Ellen Mickiewicz's
No Illusions makes an important contribution to our knowledge of contemporary Russia at a crucial moment in time... [It] provides rare insight into the formation of the worldview of Russia's elite youth before a key turning point in Russia's relations with the West."
--
The Soviet and Post-Soviet Review"Ellen Mickiewicz's
No Illusions is a prescient look into the minds--and hearts--of Russia's future leaders. The chance to hear the frank voices of these Russians on the path to power cannot have come at a more critical moment for the West. The book is a gift to those who want to know what is looming in an emergent and complex Russia."
--Alex S. Jones, Director of the Shorenstein Center on the Media, Politics and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School
"[A] detailed and complex portrait of one small but important slice of Russian society, compiled by skillfully weaving together comments to reconstruct the relatively unguarded world views of the next generation of decision makers this is a fascinating, if sobering view of the post-Putin generation of leadership."
--
Slavic Review"
No Illusions is a thought-provoking and often surprising glimpse into the future of Russia's foreign relations"
--CritCom (A Forum for Research & Commentary on Europe)