The Baton and the Cross

Lucy Ash investigates the rise of religious nationalism in Russia and how the Orthodox Church has intertwined itself with state power. Through years of on-the-ground reporting, she reveals how faith, tradition, and political manipulation converge to fuel militarism and authoritarianism. The book captures voices from across Russian society, from priests to activists to everyday believers, illustrating the complexity beneath official narratives. Ash’s storytelling is vivid and deeply researched, illuminating a system where spiritual authority becomes a tool for control. Her work offers essential insight into the ideological machinery driving Russian aggression and domestic repression.