Books like Nothing is true and everything is possible by Peter Pomerantsev

Peter Pomerantsev’s *Nothing is True and Everything is Possible* presents a journalistic exploration of Russia after the collapse of communism. Drawing on interviews, fieldwork and personal experience, Pomerantsev reveals how an oil‑rich, oligarch‑dominated elite reshapes politics, culture and everyday life. He describes the city’s glittering, sometimes surreal world—from lavish parties and private patronage to the shadowy influence of crime and propaganda—and shows how a new form of authoritarianism, rooted in avarice rather than overt oppression, consolidates power. Through portraits of businessmen, artists, journalists and former Soviet officials, the book traces the transformation of social conditions, economic realities and collective values, offering a stark assessment of Russia’s return to a complex, authoritarian order. Key themes include the interplay of wealth and political power, the erosion of democratic ideals, the role of the media and propaganda, and the challenges posed by corruption and oligarchic influence.

First publish date: 2012