Masculinity, Violence and Power in Modern Russia: Men, Guns and Identity

by David Gillespie

This book explores the phenomenon of violence in Russian culture, showing how violence has been a legitimate articulation of masculinity in Russia, and how popular attitudes towards violence have differed from those in the west, with Russians often approving of violence and of macho, militaristic political leadership. The book examines the nature of violence and masculinity in film, literary fiction and popular television series, and discusses the repercussions of this culture of violence for cultural symbolism, political decision-making, nation-building and international relations. It shows how Putin’s continuing popularity is linked to his projection of himself as a macho leader, and how some media is subversive of these popular and state attitudes, portraying "real men" who turn out to be weak and hollow, as is the ideology underpinning them.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

David Gillespie is a recovering corporate lawyer, former co-founder of a successful software company and investor in several software startups.

He is also the father of six young children (including one set of twins). With such a lot of extra time on his hands, and 40 extra kilos on his waistline, he set out to investigate why he, like so many in his generation, was fat.

He deciphered the latest medical findings on diet and weight gain and what he found was chilling. Being fat was the least of his problems. He needed to stop poisoning himself.

His first book, Sweet Poison, published in 2008 is widely credited with starting the current Australian wave of anti-sugar sentiment.