Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: Adventures in Modern Russia (4*) by Peter Pomerantsev (one of several books that I read recently to prepare for cultural training in Russia, between China and Russia. Quite insightful and engaging to read)
How Russia Really Works (3*) by Alena V. Ledeneva (another book I read to prepare for the China-Russia training, perhaps a bit more dry to read but still insightful)
Russia’s Economy of Favours (3*) by Alena V. Ledeneva (another book I read to prepare for the China-Russia training, which gives insight in particular to how things are motivated and achieved, or perhaps the art of persuasion the Russian way. Still dry and scholarly, but insightful)