Russia
Subtitle: what everyone needs to know
By: Timothy J. Colton
Series: What everyone needs to know; What everyone needs to know
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2016
Language: eng
Number of pages: 267
ISBN-13: 9780199917808; 9780199917792
Subjects: Politics and government; History
Description: "The book provides fundamental information about the origins, evolution, and current affairs of the Russian state and society. The story begins with Russia's geographic endowment, proceeds through its experiences as a kingdom and empire, and continues through the USSR's three-quarters of a century, and finally the shocking breakup of that regime a generation ago. Chapters on the failed attempt to reform Communism under Mikhail Gorbachev, the halting steps toward democratization under Boris Yeltsin, and the entrenchment of central controls under Vladimir Putin bring the reader into the contemporary scene and to headline-grabbing events such as Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine and its military intervention in Syria. Drawing on trends within Russia and on ratings and rankings compiled by international organizations, Colton discusses the challenges facing the country--ranging from economic recession to demographic stress, political stagnation, and overextension in foreign policy--and to the realistic options for coping with them."--Provided by publisher.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 241-248) and index.
Table of contents: title: Why the Russian phoenix matters; title: Foundations; title: Communism; title: A new Russia; title: Transition within the transition; title: A better edition of itself?