This revised edition includes and examination of the recent presidential and parliamentary elections and their effects on Putin's leadership and Russia.
Praise for the previous edition:
"Out of her blunt, often acerbic, account come shrewd insights into Putin's transformation from an implausible, contrived successor into a dominator unchallenged by oligarchs, legislators, or regional bosses, let alone a democratic opposition." -Foreign Affairs
"Shevtsova is one of the most astute and independent-minded observers of the Russian political scene." -Times Literary Supplement
"Offers many insights into Kremlin court politics, as well as Mr. Putin and his foes." -The Economist
"This well-informed Russian observer offers a straightforward situation report. Shevtsova's scorecard will interest serious Russia watchers." -Booklist
"An insightful account of how the Russian president is swaying on a pendulum between reform and stability." -Survival
"A timely, expert book." -Washington Post