The Struggle for Russia: Power and Change in the Democratic Revolution

Who is Ruslan Khasbulatov? Since the attempted coup in Russia in August 1991, Ruslan Khasbulatov has featured prominently and controversially in the development of the post-Soviet Russia. And yet relatively little is known about his background, personal beliefs and political philosophy. This book, part analytical, part autobiographical, provides unique insight into Khasbulatov's political development and outlook. Khasbulatov became acting Speaker of the Russian Parliament in July 1991 and helped defend the Russian White House during the coup attempt of that August. Confirmed in the post of Speaker in October 1991, he has since consolidated his influence in the parliament and become one of the country's most controversial politicians. News reports portray Khasbulatov as engaged in a power struggle with Russian President Boris Yeltsin. They indicate that the Russian parliament has turned into a bastion of opposition to Yeltsin and his proposed free-market reforms. As leader of theparliament, Khasbulatov is seen as representing the interests of the old-guard communist managers. Scarcely a day passes without negative stories about him appearing in the press. InThe Struggle for Russia, Khasbulatov describes his personal involvement in the dramatic events of the last three years. He presents his views on the evolution of Russian politics before the attempted coup, putting forward a distinctive approach to the problems of Russian history, politics and culture. He offers a vivid first-hand account of the resistance to the coup and describes working with Yeltsin to draft the appeal "To the Citizens of Russia" which declared the coup an illegal act. The book concludes with Khasbulatov's views on Russian politics in the post-communist era, focusing on the problem of power in the democratic transition.