Muslims in Putin's Russia

This book offers a novel interpretation of Russian contemporary discourse on Islam and its influence on Russian state policies. It shifts the analytical perspective from the discussion about Russia's Islam as a potential security threat to a more comprehensive view of the relationships of Muslims with Russia as a state and a civilization. The work demonstrates how many Muslims increasingly express a sense of belonging to Russia and are increasingly willing to contribute to state building processes.

Simona E. Merati is a Research Fellow in the Middle East Studies Program at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, USA. Her research focuses on the post-Soviet Russian space, in particular Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

1. Introduction.- 2. The Identity of Russia's Muslims.- 3. Russia's Muslim Communities.- 4. Russia's Islamic Religious Institutions and the State.- 5. Islam and Security in Russia.- 6. Islam, Terrorism, and Revolution in Russia.- 7. The Role of Islam in Russia's Geopolitical View.- 8. Conclusion.