Having been fully revised and updated to reflect the considerable changes in Russia over the last decade, the fourth edition of this classic text builds on the strengths of the previous editions to provide a comprehensive and sophisticated analysis on Russian politics and society. New to this edition: extended coverage of electoral laws, party development and regional politics; new chapter on the 'phoney democracy' period, 1991-93; historical evaluation of Yeltsin's leadership; full coverage of Putin's presidency; discussion of the development of civil society and the problems of democratic consolidation; latest developments in the Chechnya conflict; more on foreign policy issues; the re-introduction of the Russian Constitution as an appendix; an updated Select Bibliography; more focus on the challenges facing Russia in the twenty-first century. Written in an accessible and lively style, this book is packed with detailed information on the central debates and issues in Russia's difficult transformation. This makes it the best available textbook on the subject and is essential reading for all those concerned with the fate of Russia, and with the future of international society.