Black Hundred: The Rise of the Extreme Right in Russia

With the collapse of communism, Russia's rightwing extremists have made a comeback. Political analyst Laqueur ( The Age of Terrorism ) combed Russian journals, manifestos, booklets, leaflets and other sources to produce the first in-depth, comprehensive look at an alarming phenomenon. An essential source for Russia-watchers, his meticulous study profiles anti-Western ultra-nationalists, the openly fascistic and anti-Semitic Pamyat movement, fanatical sects within the Orthodox church, various monarchist factions and the reemerging Cossacks. These groups espouse militarism and a belief that Russia can function only if led by an authoritarian government. Laqueur documents the close collaboration of the Russian Orthodox church with the Communist Party leadership and the KGB. He traces the far right's origins to 19th-century Slavophiles and to the Black Hundred, a xenophobic movement which flourished between 1904 and 1917. His chilling report sounds a warning to the West. Photos. (June)