Description
Russia-watchers are growing increasingly concerned about the Putin government. They point to recent events that indicate Russia may have gone as far as it will go with liberalization, and that chances are good it will pull back from recent reforms. Top political analyst Shevtsova describes some of the forces behind the rumors and the worries and places them in a wider context, starting with Putin's taking advantage of the Bank of New York scandal. She then traces his career to the moment in which Putin worked himself into the enviable position of facing a presidential election without a rival. As Shevtsova continues to examine Putin's motives and politics, it becomes increasingly clear that Putin, despite the perception that he is in favor of progress, is actually in favor of power, preferably his own, in all situations and at all costs. Distributed by Brookings Institution Press. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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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 independent-minded observers of the Russian political scene."—Times Literary Supplement "Offers many insights into Kremlin court politics, as well as Mr. Putin and his foes."—The Economist "This well-informed Russian observer offers a straightforward situation report. Shevtsova's scorecard will interest serious Russia watchers."—Booklist "An insightful account of how the Russian president is swaying on a pendulum between reform and stability."—Survival "A timely, expert book."—Washington Post
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