Understanding Russian Politics

by Stephen White

Overview

A fresh, authoritative interpretation of Russian politics by a leading authority, this textbook focuses on political developments in the world's largest country under Putin and Medvedev. Using Russian language sources, it covers economic, social and foreign policy, and the 'system' of politics that has developed in recent years. Opposing arguments are presented and students are encouraged to reach their own judgements on key events and issues such as privatisation and corruption. This textbook tackles timely topics such as gender and inequality issues; organised religion; krizis; and Russia's place in the international community. It uses numerous examples to place this powerful and richly-endowed country in context, with a focus on the place of ordinary people which shows how policy is translated to Russians' everyday lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521688611
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/31/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	482
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Stephen White is James Bryce Professor of Politics at the University of Glasgow and a Senior Associate Member of its School of Central and East European Studies. He is also Adjunct Professor of European Studies at the Johns Hopkins University Bologna Center and Visiting Professor at the Institute of Applied Politics in Moscow. His most recent books include the edited collections Developments in Russian Politics 7 (2010), Media, Culture and Society in Putin's Russia (2008) and Politics and the Ruling Group in Putin's Russia (2008).

Hometown:

Colorado

Date of Birth:

August 20, 1951

Place of Birth:

Long Island, New York

Education:

B.A., UC Berkeley, 1972; M.A., University of Colorado, Boulder, 1975; Ph.D., 1979

Website:

http://www.authorstephenwhite.com

Table of Contents

1. From communist to postcommunist rule; 2. Voters, parties and parliament; 3. Presidential government; 4. From plan to market; 5. A divided society; 6. Changing times, changing values; 7. Russia and the wider world; 8. What kind of system?

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

‘Stephen White’s thoroughly researched, well crafted, and parsimonious text is the best single overview I have encountered of the politics of contemporary Russia. It shows how Russia’s post-communist system has stabilized, largely in an authoritarian mold, without yet being frozen in that mold.’
- Timothy J. Colton, Chair of the Department of Government, Harvard University

‘In this outstanding contribution, Stephen White presents a masterly analysis of contemporary Russian politics. Based on a close reading of the Russian press as well as by a lifetime devoted to the study of the country, White provides a dispassionate account of the controversial leaderships of Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Putin, allowing us to see their rule in the broader context of the forces shaping Russian politics. This is an outstanding account that is essential reading for students and anyone interested in contemporary Russia.’
- Richard Sakwa, Professor of Russian and European Politics, University of Kent

‘Well-informed, well-written, and copiously documented, Stephen White’s latest book is an impressive (and disturbing) portrayal of politics and society in post-Soviet Russia’
- Archie Brown, Emeritus Professor of Politics at Oxford University and author of The Rise and Fall of Communism.

Editorial Reviews

‘Stephen White’s thoroughly researched, well crafted, and parsimonious text is the best single overview I have encountered of the politics of contemporary Russia. It shows how Russia’s post-communist system has stabilized, largely in an authoritarian mold, without yet being frozen in that mold.’
- Timothy J. Colton, Chair of the Department of Government, Harvard University

‘In this outstanding contribution, Stephen White presents a masterly analysis of contemporary Russian politics. Based on a close reading of the Russian press as well as by a lifetime devoted to the study of the country, White provides a dispassionate account of the controversial leaderships of Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Putin, allowing us to see their rule in the broader context of the forces shaping Russian politics. This is an outstanding account that is essential reading for students and anyone interested in contemporary Russia.’
- Richard Sakwa, Professor of Russian and European Politics, University of Kent

‘Well-informed, well-written, and copiously documented, Stephen White’s latest book is an impressive (and disturbing) portrayal of politics and society in post-Soviet Russia’
- Archie Brown, Emeritus Professor of Politics at Oxford University and author of The Rise and Fall of Communism.

“Stephen White has long been one of the leading experts on the former Soviet Union and contemporary Russia, and here he has distilled much of his vast knowledge into a single volume that provides what is perhaps the best analysis of Russian politics available today…This is an excellent book that can be strongly recommended for both the serious student of Russia and the general interested reader.” –Peter Shearman, Webster University Thailand, POLITICAL STUDIES REVIEW

From the Publisher