Putin Russia's Choice [Paperback]

The new edition of this extremely well-received political biography of Vladimir Putin builds on the strengths of the first edition to provide the most detailed and nuanced account of the man, his politics and his profound influence on Russian politics, foreign policy and society.  New to this edition:

• analysis of Putin's second term as President
• more biographical information in the light of recent research
• detailed discussion of changes to the policy process and the ?lites around Putin
• developments in state-society relations including the conflicts with oligarchs such as Khodorkovsky
• review of changes affecting the party system and electoral legislation, including the development of federalism in Russia
• details on economic performance under Putin, including more discussion of the energy sector and pipeline politics
• Russias relationship with NATO after the big bang enlargement, EU-Russian relations after enlargement, and Russias relations with other post-Soviet states
• the conclusion brings us up-to-date with debates over the question of democracy in Russia today and the nature of Putins leadership and his place in the world.

Putin is essential reading for all scholars and students of Russian politics.

Part 1: The Path to Power1. The unlikely making of a leader 2. The succession operation Part 2: Russia at the Turn of the Millenium1. Who is Mr Putin? 2. The nature of the system 3. The ideas behind the choice 4. Planning for the future 5. The state of the nation 6. The politics of 'nornalisation' Part 3: The Putin Way 1. Building the Putin bloc 2. Putin and the people 3. Leadership style 4. Putin's path: towards a Russian 'third way'? Part 4: State and Society1. State and regime 2. State strengtheninl£