Publication

This publication discusses the increasing socio-political role of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) since 1991. The author argues that the ROC is not a state church, but is close to being a quasi-state church; this is reflected by proposed legislation in the Duma to give the ROC significant concessions and advantages. He concludes that President Vladimir Putin and his administration are happy to promote the Church's role, seeing it as an important part of post-Soviet Russia's national identity.