Political Elites and the New Russia: The Power Basis of Yeltsin's and Putin's Regimes

Argues convincingly that although, reforms in Russia have been initiated by those close to the President, that local and national elites have in fact been the crucial strategic actors in reshaping Russia's economy, democratizing its political system and decentralizing its administration. The book analyses the role of elites under Yeltsin and Putin, discussing the extent to which they form a coherent political culture, and how far this culture has been in step with, or at odds with, the reform policies of the Kremlin leadership.

Anton Steen is Professor of Political Science at the University of Oslo.