Understanding Russian Politics Hardback - Tapa dura

'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, Oxford University and author of The Rise and Fall of Communism

'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, Department of Government, Harvard University

'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, Political Studies Review

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).