Inside Putin's Russia: Can There Be Reform Without Democracy?

by Andrew Jack (Author), Andrew Jack (Author)

• New

  Paperback
  2005

  $17.43

  International views of Russia have changed drastically in the last decade, due in part to the leadership of the decidedly pro-Western President Yeltsin. It was not without concern that we saw the next elected leader pulled from the ranks of the former KGB. Andrew Jack, former Moscow bureau chief for the Financial Times, uses in-depth research and years of journalistic experience to bring us the first full picture of Vladimir Putin. Jack describes how Putin grew to become the most powerful man in Russia, defying domestic and foreign expectations and presiding over a period of strong economic growth, significant restructuring, and rising international prestige. Despite criticism of his handling of the war in Chechnya and of the controls he introduced on parliament and the media, Putin has united Russian society and maintained extraordinarily high popularity. Inside Putin's Russia digs behind the rumors and speculation, illuminating Putin's character and the changing nature of the Russia he leads. It highlights some of the more troubling trends as he consolidates his leadership during a second presidential term marred by the Beslan tragedy, the attacks on Yukos and Russian policy towards Ukraine. Now with a new Epilogue by the author, this invaluable book offers important insights for anyone interested in the past, present, and future of Russia.

• Used

  Paperback
  2005

  $3.25

  He emerged from the shadows of the Soviet secret police and lowly government jobs to become the most powerful man in Russia. Since Vladimir Putin was propelled into the Kremlin in 2000, he has defied domestic and foreign expectations, by presiding over a period of strong economic growth, significant restructuring and rising international prestige. Yet Putin himself remains a man of mystery and contradictions; he has pursued an increasingly pro-western foreign policy and liberal economic reforms, while continuing a hardline war in Chechnya and introducing tighter controls over parliament, the regions and the media, which are reminiscent of the Soviet era. Inside Putin's Russia digs behind the rumours and speculation, tracing Putin's rise to power and assessing how he has performed in office, and the changing nature of the Russia he rules. It draws on interviews with Putin himself, and a number of the country's leading figures, as well as many ordinary Russians. Andrew Jack's conclusions are important for anyone interested in the recent past and future of Russia.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2004

  $3.25

  He emerged from the shadows of the Soviet secret police and lowly government jobs to become the most powerful man in Russia. Since Vladimir Putin was propelled into the Kremlin in 2000, he has defied domestic and foreign expectations, by presiding over a period of strong economic growth, significant restructuring and rising international prestige. Yet Putin himself remains a man of mystery and contradictions; he has pursued an increasingly pro-western foreign policy and liberal economic reforms, while continuing a hardline war in Chechnya and introducing tighter controls over parliament, the regions and the media, moves which are reminiscent of the Soviet era. Inside Putin's Russia digs behind the rumours and speculation, tracing Putin's rise to power and assessing how he has performed in office and the changing nature of the Russia he rules. It draws on interviews with Putin himself, and a number of the country's leading figures, as well as many ordinary Russians. With his re-election imminent, it is possible to draw conclusions about Putin's thinking, style and effectiveness as president. The lessons are important for anyone interested in the recent past and future of Russia.