Drawing on both international and Russian sources, expert analyses, and empirical data, this essay collection examines the real state of political, economic and social affairs in Russia. It explores the nature of the political regime, the rhetoric of Russian state propaganda, and delves into existing and potential socio-political divisions. The contributors also scrutinize ethno-national dynamics within the pseudo-federation, Russia's "claims" on Ukraine, and the concept of "World Order Z." This "new world order", which Russia attempts to establish through what it calls a "special military operation" against Ukraine, is analyzed as a tool for constructing an international system on Russian terms.