Table of Contents

1. The dual state in Russia; 2. Succession struggles and electoral contests; 3. Political power and factionalism; 4. A genuinely political economy; 5. Managed succession; 6. War of the Putin succession; 7. Duma selection; 8. Presidential succession; 9. Medvedev's challenge; 10. Conclusion: transcending the dual state.

Promotional Information

An original analysis of Russian politics, reflecting on the underlying features of Russia's political system since 1991.

About the Author

Richard Sakwa is Professor of Russian and European Politics at the University of Kent.

Reviews

'The Crisis of Russian Democracy is an important book, an elegant and impressively well informed interpretation of what really goes on in Russian politics. Its account of the Putin–Medvedev succession should be a fundamental reference for all future work on the Putin period.' Henry E. Hale, George Washington University

'Richard Sakwa has long been renowned for his forensic studies of Russian politics. This time he focuses on how what he calls 'the dual state' - the 'permanent crisis' created by the ongoing struggle between the formal constitutional order and the shadowy 'administrative regime' - survived the stress test of transition from Putin to Medvedev as president in 2007–08. A must for any serious student of modern Russia.' Andrew Wilson, European Council on Foreign Relations

'Richard Sakwa, a leading British scholar on Russia's domestic politics, has written a meaty, well-researched, rather sprawling book that covers the years 2004–2009 … Sakwa writes clear, very readable prose.' Peter Reddaway, International Affairs

'The Crisis of Russian Democracy is a highly recommendable book, especially because the next 'operation succession' is currently underway. Sakwa provides an analytical framework which is very useful for understanding current affairs in Russia.' The International Spectator