How Putin's autocracy undercut Russia's economy and chances for democracyDuring his nearly twenty years at the center of Russian political power, Vladimir Putin has transformed the vast country in many ways, not all of them for the better. The near-chaos of the early post-Soviet years has been replaced by an increasingly rigid authoritarianism, resembling a hard-fisted monarchy more than the previous communist dictatorship. Putin's early years in power saw rapid eco...

The collapse of the USSR sparked hopes of a peaceful 'end of history', but these were quickly dashed. Why did the opportunity for the two former superpower adversaries to become partners slip away?This book explains the complex reasons behind Russia's turbulent transformation since the dissolution of the USSR. It looks at inconsistent economic reforms, and the failure to establish democratic institutions. It also examines how the US and its allies missed opportunities to support Ru...

Featuring extensive revisions to the text as well as a new introduction and epilogue--bringing the book completely up to date on the tumultuous politics of the previous decade and the long-term implications of the Soviet collapse--this compact, original, and engaging book offers the definitive account of one of the great historical events of the last fifty years. Combining historical and geopolitical analysis with an absorbing narrative, Kotkin draws upon extensive research, including memo...

The Russian oil industry—which vies with Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest producer and exporter of oil, providing nearly 12 percent of the global supply—is facing mounting problems that could send shock waves through the Russian economy and worldwide. Wheel of Fortune provides an authoritative account of this vital industry from the last years of communism to its uncertain future. Tracking the interdependence among Russia’s oil industry, politics, and economy, Thane Gustafson s...

""My goal is to show the reader that the Soviet political and economic system was unstable by its very nature. It was just a question of when and how it would collapse...."" -From the Introduction to Collapse of an Empire The Soviet Union was an empire in many senses of the word-a vast mix of far-flung regions and accidental citizens by way of conquest or annexation. Typical of such empires, it was built on shaky foundations. That instability made its demise inevitable, asserts Ye...

When Vladimir Putin first took power in 1999, he was a little-known figure ruling a country that was reeling from a decade and a half of crisis. In the years since, he has reestablished Russia as a great power. How did he do it? What principles have guided Putin’s economic policies? What patterns can be discerned? In this new analysis of Putin’s Russia, Chris Miller examines its economic policy and the tools Russia’s elite have used to achieve its goals. Miller argues that despite Russia’s...

Presciently researched before the invasion of Ukraine, Blowing up Ukraine is the first comprehensive investigation into the lethal methods Russia has used since 1999 to take over Ukraine – culminating in full-blown unprovoked war in 2022 and mounting atrocities. In this chilling, riveting and alarming narrative the authors cite ample evidence, draw historical analogies, and marshal sources that are new, little known, or anonymous by necessity.Over twenty years, Vladimir Putin skilfully man...

This revised edition includes and examination of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections and their effects on Putin's leadership and Russia. Praise for the previous edition: "Out of her blunt, often acerbic, account come shrewd insights into Putin's transformation from an implausible, contrived successor into a dominator unchallenged by oligarchs, legislators, or regional bosses, let alone a democratic opposition."-Foreign Affairs "Shevtsova is one of the most astute and indepe...

An insider's account of the complex relations between the United States and post-Soviet UkraineThe Eagle and the Trident provides the first comprehensive account of the development of U.S. diplomatic relations with an independent Ukraine, covering the years 1992 through 2004 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The United States devoted greater attention to Ukraine than any other post-Soviet state (except Russia) after the breakup of the Soviet Union...

Welcome to the Making Money in Russia series: The key to a successful business is knowing your client. MAKING MONEY IN RUSSIA: RUSSIA COUNTRY GUIDE FOR BUSINESSES offers executives, investors, and entrepreneurs the need-to-know information about doing business in Russia. Written as an in-depth, straightforward reference guide, this book lists key information about the Russian people, culture, geography, history, government, and economy. A crucial list of key political pe...

Roy Medvedev, one of the world's best-known Russian scholars and a former consultant to both Gorbachev and Yeltsin analyzes the main events that have transpired in the Russian federation since late August 1991. He looks at the plans that were meant to restructure a society in crisis but—for reasons both complex and obvious—were destined to fail. From the drastic liberalization of prices and "shock therapy" to the privatization of state owned property and Yeltsin's resignation and replaceme...

During the 1990s, the "roving bandits", big business or the oligarchs, stole Russia. They gained influence over President Yeltsin and his government, and gradually shaped policy in their own interests. In this first comprehensive account to explain why Russia took the course it did, Martin McCauley examines the period through the prism of government, including Yeltsin's shadow government, and looks at the military, police, security and intelligence services. Relations between Moscow and th...