"This thoroughly revised and updated edition of the classic text provides the most current and authoritative assessment of Russia available. Distinguished scholars offer a full-scale assessment of Putin's leadership, exploring the daunting domestic and international problems facing Russia today. Evaluating the regime's continued efforts to rebuild a country in shambles, the contributors consider a comprehensive array of economic, political, and social issues. In addition to updated core chapters, the book includes new essays on Putin's leadership, law, foreign policy, and the decline of democracy. The book concludes that Putin will continue to address his country's problems in an incremental and centralized manner as he moves toward his goal of restoring Russia to the status of a world power. Accessible and clearly organized, this text is required reading for anyone wanting to understand Russia today."--Book cover.

Part 1. Domestic politics. Putin's leadership / Richard Sawka ; Putin and the attenuation of Russian democracy / Timothy J. Colton ; Putin, the Parliament, and the party system / Thomas F. Remington ; Putin and the regions / Nikolai Petrov and Darrell Slider ; Putin and the law / Kathryn Hendley -- part 2. The economy. Putin and the economy / James R. Millar ; Putin and agriculture / Stephen K. Wegren -- part 3. Military and security. Putin and military reform / Dale R. Herspring ; Putin and foreign policy / Andrei P. Tsygankov -- Conclusion / Dale R. Herspring.