Russian politics and society - Softcover

'Dr. Richard Sakwa's textbook on Russian politics is a lucid and well informed survey of the subject. It skillfully relates comparative theoretical generalizations to the reality of contemporary Russian affairs and places the political sphere in its social and economic context. The book is objective and balanced in its treatment of controversial questions about developments in Russia under Putin. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks an introduction to Russian politics.' - Alfred B. Evans, Jr., California State University, Fresno, USA

'The 4th edition of Sakwa’s Russian Politics and Society confirms it as the book providing the best coverage of the field. It analyses the structures and contradictory processes in the political system, foreign policy, economy and society under Yeltsin and Putin and is unmatched for postgraduates and undergraduates alike.' - Peter Duncan, University College London, UK

'Altogether, this book serves as a great introduction to Russian politics, but it is by no means only that. There is an irrefutable balance between the necessary descriptive framework for non-specialists and more in-depth analysis, and there are always useful references for a more sophisticated public. As a whole, every reader will find something of interest in this book, depending on their approach and background knowledge in Russian politics. The book provides the reader with both analytical frameworks and more targeted or specialised sections, so that this edition remains both comprehensive and scholarly. The book is not just a textbook but tries to combine strong research input with accessibility. It provides a strong theoretical interpretation, founded on a clear empirical base.' - Henri Duquenne, Sciences-Po, Paris

'This very comprehensive survey is highly commended to all wishing to understand Russia today.' - Richard Sakwa, Mainstream Journal: Bridge of Books

Having been fully revised and updated to reflect the considerable changes in Russia over the last decade, the fourth edition of this classic text builds on the strengths of the previous editions to provide a comprehensive and sophisticated analysis on Russian politics and society. New to this edition:

• extended coverage of electoral laws, party development and regional politics
• new chapter on the ‘phoney democracy’ period, 1991-93
• historical evaluation of Yeltsin’s leadership
• full coverage of Putin’s presidency
• discussion of the development of civil society and the problems of democratic consolidation
• latest developments in the Chechnya conflict
• more on foreign policy issues
• the re-introduction of the Russian Constitution as an appendix
• an updated Select Bibliography
• more focus on the challenges facing Russia in the twenty-first century.

Written in an accessible and lively style, this book is packed with detailed information on the central debates and issues in Russia’s difficult transformation. This makes it the best available textbook on the subject and is essential reading for all those concerned with the fate of Russia, and with the future of international society.